Heart tests,explained before you arrive.
What each test involves, how to prepare, and when you get the answer. Five are done in clinic; five are arranged at hospital by referral.
Done in clinic
- EchocardiographyUltrasound assessment of heart structure and function.How long: 30–45 minutes
- ECGA quick recording of the heart's electrical activity.How long: About 10 minutes
- Holter monitoringPortable heart-rhythm recording over one or more days.How long: 24 hours to 7 days
- Stress testingMonitored assessment of the heart during exertion.How long: About 45 minutes
- Cardiac risk assessmentA structured review of future cardiovascular risk.How long: About 45 minutes
Arranged by hospital referral
- CT imagingDetailed cross-sectional imaging using X-rays.How long: 15–30 minutes
- Cardiac MRIDetailed imaging of heart muscle and blood flow.How long: 45–60 minutes
- Coronary angiographyHospital imaging of the coronary arteries.How long: 30–60 minutes, then recovery
- Body composition analysisMeasurement of body fat, muscle, and body water.How long: About 5 minutes
- 24-hour blood-pressure monitoringAutomatic blood-pressure readings through day and night.How long: 24 hours
Clinics — ongoing care
- Heart failureAssessment, medication optimisation and follow-up for a heart that is not pumping as well as it should.
- HypertensionInvestigation of persistently high blood pressure, including causes that are often missed, and long-term control.
- Lipid clinicCholesterol assessment and treatment, including inherited patterns and cases where standard treatment has not worked.
- Cardiometabolic medicineCare where diabetes, weight and cardiovascular risk overlap and need to be managed as one problem.
- Preventive cardiologyReducing future cardiovascular risk in people who have not had an event, and in those who have.
- General cardiologyAssessment of new cardiac symptoms, second opinions, and review of previous investigations.
You do not need to choose a test yourself. The right ones are decided together at your consultation.
Not sure this is the test you need?
You do not have to decide alone. Book a consultation or send a question on WhatsApp. Tests are chosen once your symptoms and history have been reviewed.
This page explains what the test involves. It is not medical advice for your situation. If you have sudden or severe chest pain, fainting or breathlessness, seek emergency care immediately.