Cardiac Investigations

In order to diagnose and guide treatment of most cardiac complaints, a doctor may need to arrange one or more tests. There is no standard series of investigations, since many factors will need to be taken into account, including symptomatic status, pre-existing medical conditions, family history and so forth. With recent developments in medical technology it is now possible to carry out complex investigations, such as CT coronary angiograms and myocardial perfusion scans in the outpatient setting, with admission to hospital reserved for invasive tests like conventional coronary angiography. Some of the more common and routine tests, such as resting ECGs and transthoracic echocardiograms can be carried out during or immediately after the patient’s consultation; other tests that may require a period of preparation beforehand will be scheduled a time convenient to the patient.