An echocardiogram, or “echo”, is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows the size and pumping function of the heart, how the heart valves are working, and whether there are any structural problems.

The test is painless and does not use radiation. You will lie on an examination bed while gel is placed on your chest and an ultrasound probe is moved across different areas. You may be asked to lie on your side or briefly hold your breath so clearer pictures can be taken.

No special preparation is usually needed. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications unless told otherwise.

A stress echocardiogram combines a heart ultrasound with exercise, usually on a treadmill. It helps assess how your heart muscle and valves work when the heart is made to work harder.

Ultrasound pictures are taken before and immediately after exercise. During the test, your ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored. The treadmill gradually becomes faster and steeper, and the test is stopped if you develop concerning symptoms, significant ECG or blood pressure changes, or once enough information has been collected.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. You may be asked to avoid caffeine or adjust certain medications before the test, but only do this if instructed.

A stress ECG, also called an exercise stress test, looks at the electrical activity of the heart during exercise. It is often used to investigate chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise tolerance, rhythm changes, or possible reduced blood supply to the heart.

You will walk on a treadmill while ECG leads are attached to your chest. Your blood pressure, heart rhythm, and symptoms are monitored throughout the test and during recovery.

Wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Let staff know before the test if you have chest pain, feel unwell, use an inhaler, or have difficulty walking.

A CT coronary angiogram, or CTCA, is a specialised CT scan that takes detailed pictures of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. It helps look for narrowing, plaque, or blockages in these arteries.

The test uses X-rays and an iodine-based contrast dye through a small cannula in your arm. You may be given medication to slow the heart rate and a spray or tablet under the tongue to widen the coronary arteries for clearer images. The scan itself is quick, but preparation can take longer.

Tell staff if you have kidney problems, asthma, diabetes, an iodine contrast allergy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You may be asked to avoid caffeine and to fast before the scan.

A Holter monitor is a small portable ECG recorder worn for 24 hours. It continuously records your heart rhythm while you go about your usual daily activities.

Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to the monitor. You may be asked to keep a diary of symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or faintness, so these can be matched with the heart rhythm recording.

You should not remove the monitor during the recording period. Follow the instructions about showering or bathing, as many monitors must be kept dry.

A HeartBug is a small ECG event monitor used for longer-term heart rhythm monitoring, often up to 28 days. It is useful when symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or suspected rhythm problems do not happen every day.

The monitor records your heart rhythm over time and can help detect rhythm changes that may be missed on a standard ECG or 24-hour Holter monitor. Some recordings are automatic, and you may also be able to mark symptoms when they occur.

Follow the HeartBug instructions for wearing the device, changing stickers, charging, using the app, showering, and returning the device. Contact the monitoring service or Heart Solutions if the device is uncomfortable, comes loose, or you develop a skin reaction.

A coronary angiogram is an invasive test performed in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory. It uses X-ray imaging and contrast dye to look directly at the coronary arteries.

A cardiologist inserts a thin tube called a catheter, usually through an artery in the wrist or groin, and guides it to the heart. Contrast dye is injected so the coronary arteries can be seen clearly. If a significant narrowing is found, treatment such as a stent may sometimes be performed at the same sitting, depending on the circumstances.

You will receive specific hospital instructions about fasting, blood thinners, diabetes medications, transport, and recovery. You should not drive yourself home after the procedure.

A right heart catheterisation measures pressures and oxygen levels in the right side of the heart and the lung circulation. It is often used to assess pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, valve disease, or unexplained breathlessness.

A thin catheter is inserted through a vein, commonly in the neck, arm, or groin, and guided into the right side of the heart and pulmonary artery. The test gives information that cannot be obtained as accurately from routine scans alone.

You will be monitored during and after the procedure. Possible side effects include bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, temporary palpitations, and rarely more serious complications. The hospital team will explain your individual risks.

A cardiac MRI uses a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of the heart. It can assess heart size, pumping function, heart muscle inflammation or scarring, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, valve disease, and blood flow.

The test is painless, but you need to lie still inside the MRI scanner. ECG leads may be placed on your chest, and some scans use contrast dye through a cannula. You may hear loud tapping noises, and ear protection is provided.

Tell staff if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, implanted device, metal fragments, kidney problems, claustrophobia, or if you may be pregnant. Some devices are MRI-safe, but this must be checked before the scan.