Heart screening clinic

An exercise stress test (also called a cardiac stress test) assesses how well the heart works while you’re exercising. This gives a good indication of your overall heart health, and it can also provide information about the blood flow to your heart. 

Exercise stress tests require you to trigger ‘stress’ on your heart by exercising on a treadmill or static bicycle at your appointment. If you are unable to exercise, then we may offer medication to stimulate the effects of exercise on your heart instead. 

Our specialists offer different types of stress tests including:  

• exercise stress echocardiogram 
• exercise tolerance test 
• cardiopulmonary exercise test 
• stress MRI scan 
• PET rubidium stress test 

Find out more about exercise stress tests and who may be recommended one. 

An echocardiogram (sometimes called an echo) is a scan that examines your heart and its surrounding blood vessels. An echo is a type of ultrasound scan that sends high-frequency sound waves to create echoes that are turned into moving images of your heart. It provides details about the structure of your heart, as well as how it functions, that can’t be achieved through other tests and examinations. 

An echocardiogram might be recommended if you have heart palpitations and chest pain, especially if these symptoms are also accompanied by breathlessness. Our specialists offer several types of echocardiogram, including: 

• transthoracic echocardiogram 
• transoesophageal echocardiogram 
• contract echocardiogram 
• doppler echocardiogram 
• stress echocardiogram 
• 3D echocardiogram

Read more about echocardiograms. 

An electrocardiogram (also called an ECG) is a test that shows your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. It’s one of the most common heart tests because it can be carried out very quickly, providing rapid results. An ECG works by attaching sticky electrodes to your chest, wrists and ankles, which are connected by wires to an ECG machine. This measures the electrical activity of your heart. 

An ECG records: 

• how quickly your heart beats 
• how steady or irregular your heart beats are 
• the electrical pattern created by your heart (that gives important information about its structure and function) 

While you will have a standard ECG included in your heart screening appointment (typically for 5 to 10 minutes), there are some cases where you may be recommended further ECG testing, for example to monitor your heart activity for a longer period. 

The different types of ECG available with cardiologists at our hospitals are: 

• resting ECG 
• exercise ECG 
• ambulatory ECG (Holter monitor) 

Ambulatory ECGs are carried out by a wearable device called a Holter monitor which you wear for 24, 48 or 72 hours, or for 5, 7 or 14 days. Your consultant will advise which option is best for you based on your specific symptoms and the outcome of your previous tests at your heart screening appointment. 

Learn more about ECGs at our hospitals. 

A PET-CT scan (positron emission tomography and computerised tomography scan) is a scanning technique that combines a PET scan and a CT scan. It involves an injection of a radioactive drug which is then imaged by a scanner, highlighting areas of high metabolic activity. This shows the location of the disease to be identified. 

PET-CT scans have several uses in cardiology, including: 

• checking the effects of a heart attack 
• checking for inflammation in the heart muscle 
• determining which areas of the heart muscle would benefit from procedures such as coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty 

If your consultant believes that a PET-CT would be beneficial in your treatment plan, they may recommend you for one. Discover more about PET-CT scans. 

A CT (computerised tomography) coronary angiogram is a type of scan that shows the structure of the heart and the arteries which supply blood to the heart. It is used to identify any narrowing or blockage of the arteries around the heart using X-rays to image the area. The X-rays are then reconstructed by a computer to create 3D images. 

A CT coronary angiogram is non-invasive and has a lower risk of complications, when compared to a conventional angiogram (which requires a catheter to be inserted into the artery). CT coronary angiograms are used to establish whether you have coronary artery disease, so your consultant may suggest this if they suspect coronary artery disease at your initial heart screening appointment. 

Learn more about CT coronary angiograms and what to expect at your appointment, should you be recommended one.

If you require a very detailed scan of your heart, a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scan is the best option. This non-invasive test uses magnets, radio waves and a computer to create detailed and accurate pictures of the heart and major blood vessels. CMR scans may be suggested if you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting. Learn more about cardiovascular magnetic resonance scans. 

If you have no prior heart problems and would like an initial assessment, we will recommend this package.

You will have a personalised assessment with a cardiac nurse, including blood analyses and an electrocardiogram (ECG) which measures the electrical activity of your heart. We’ll give you a summary report, which is reviewed by a consultant, along with expert advice on managing risks or heart problems that have been identified.

This package is available at Royal Brompton Hospital and Wimpole Street Consulting Rooms and Diagnostic Centre.

This package costs £231

If you have experienced heart palpitations, chest pain and/or have previously suffered from heart problems, we recommend this package – our most popular package.

In addition to package 1, you will receive a one-to-one consultation with one of our world-leading heart consultants. They will discuss the results of the initial tests and will recommend further tests, if needed.

This package is available at Royal Brompton Hospital, Harefield Hospital and Wimpole Street Consulting Rooms and Diagnostic Centre.

This package costs £466