Cardiac Investigations Department
About us
The Cardiac Investigations Department performs all non - invasive Cardiac diagnostic procedures. There are four Cardiac Technicians working in the department and our aim is to provide access to a quality and patient-focused service.
Opening Hours:
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Closed Weekends and Bank Holidays.
Contact Numbers:
To change an appointment you may contact our Secretary: 090 9648200 and ask for extension 631.
To enquire about a procedure you may contact the Cardiac Technician: 090 9648318
Location
The Cardiac Investigations Department is located on the Ground Floor. Using the Main Entrance turn left after the Reception Area, we are the first room on the left. Using the Emergency Department Entrance on the lower ground floor, take the stairs or the lift to the Ground Floor. Turn left as you exit the stairs/lift, continue down towards the Coffee Shop, we are located on the left hand side just past the Main Entrance.
Access to Service
All referrals to the department are through in-house Consultants or your General Practitioner. All letters of referral are processed by our secretary and an appointment will be sent to you in due course.
Medication
Please bring a list of your medication with you when attending for any appointment.
Diagnostic Tests
ECG
An ECG or Electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, it is related to the impulses that travel through the heart which determine the heart’s rate and rhythm. Electrodes are placed on the arms, legs and chest, the procedure takes about 5 - 10 minutes and is pain free.
24 Hour Holter Monitor
The Holter Monitor is a 24 hour continuous recording of the heart’s electrical rhythm (ECG). It is used to evaluate patients who experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or shortness of breath. Electrodes are placed on the chest with leads attached to a small recorder. You will attend the department on the morning of your test, it will take about 15 minutes to have the monitor fitted and you must return with the monitor before 10 am the following morning. You will be given a diary to note if you experience any symptoms while wearing the monitor. This test will record any irregular heartbeats and their frequency of occurrence. It is recorded as you go about your normal activities such as walking, exercise and sleeping. If you have difficulty returning the monitor on time the following day please inform the technician or preferably contact our secretary when you receive your appointment and we will try to rearrange the appointment to suit you.
Patient Activated Monitor
A Patient Activated Monitor is worn for seven days, it records the electrical activity of the heart. You may activate the monitor when you experience symptoms. It is designed for patients who experience symptoms such as palpitations on an irregular basis.
24 hour Blood Pressure Monitor
24 hour Blood Pressure Monitoring is used for measuring your blood pressure over a 24 hour period and is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of blood pressure medication. A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm, this is connected by a small tube to the monitor. The cuff inflates and deflates at regular intervals during the day and night to record your blood pressure. You must return the following day with the monitor.
Exercise Stress Testing
An exercise stress test is designed to test the performance of your heart by imposing a workload on the heart. This is done by asking you to walk on a treadmill. At all times your ECG and your blood pressure will be monitored. It is important that you stay on the treadmill as long as possible, as the longer you stay on the more information is obtained from the test. If you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath while on the treadmill inform the technician immediately.
As you exercise the heart requires more oxygen so it has to pump harder and faster. The test will show if the blood supply to the coronary arteries is reduced while exercising and provides information on the level of exercise appropriate for you. It is necessary for you to wear loose comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes for this test. It may be necessary for you to stop some of your medications before undertaking this test so please follow the instructions provided on your appointment letter.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test on your heart. The technician will put gel on your chest and will use a probe to take pictures of your heart. Sound waves emitted from the probe are reflected from your heart, it enables the technician to assess the structure and function of your heart muscle and valves. This test is pain-free and will take half an hour to complete.
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
If your doctor has ordered a Dobutamine Stress Echo it is because you were either unable to do an exercise test or the exercise test you did was inconclusive. During this test a drug called Dobutamine will be administered through an intravenous line in your arm and ultrasound pictures will be taken of your heart using the echocardiogram machine. Dobutamine is a drug that is designed to speed up your heart rate as if you were exercising. You may feel nauseous, dizzy or you may experience shortness of breath, palpitations or chest pain during this test. It is important that you inform the doctor and technician present if your have any of these or any other symptoms. You may also be given a type of dye (contrast) to help show the heart muscle more clearly. During the test your heart rate and blood pressure are continually monitored. You will need to fast for three hours prior to the test. It may be necessary for you to stop some of your medications before undertaking this test so please follow the instructions provided on your appointment letter. This test will take an hour to complete.
Pacemaker Checks
Patients may be referred for a pacemaker check from another hospital. If you require a pacemaker check please bring your Pacemaker Identity Card which provides information on the type of pacemaker you have.
