Cardiac magnetic resonance/Magnetic resonance imaging (CMR/MRI) scan This is a special kind of scan used to examine the structure of the heart and the nature of its muscle. It uses a magnetic resonance scanner that creates intense fluctuating magnetic fields
Cardiomemo and event recorder These are more sophisticated versions of the basic Holter. Whenever you have an attack of symptoms, you can activate the device to record your heart’s rhythm. (You can also do this with the digital Holter.) The
Coronary angiography and electrophysiological study (EPS) Your doctor may suggest that you have tests such as coronary angiography or an electrophysiological study (EPS). Both these tests are performed in an X-ray laboratory that allows the body and any medical tools
Echocardiogram (ECHO) This test uses ultrasound waves to look at the structure of the heart. It is useful for people whose ECG shows changes that could be caused either by a channelopathy or by uninherited heart disease that has damaged
Electrocardiogram (ECG) This test involves taping electrical leads onto your legs, arms and chest to take readings of the electrical activity of your heart. These are printed out onto a piece of paper for the doctor to examine. The test
Exercise test (also called an exercise ECG) This test is the same as the ECG but is recorded before, during and after a period of time spent exercising on a treadmill or an exercise bike. This allows the doctor to
Genetic testing In most of the channelopathies and cardiomyopathies mutations of specific genes have been detected that are thought to cause a specific disease. So in principle, if we could identify these mutations, we would be able to make a diagnosis in any DNA
Holter The Holter is a recording device that comes in two different forms: a small portable tape recorder (like a walkman), or a small digital device the shape of a pager. You wear the device on a belt round
Provocation tests (ajmaline, flecainide, adrenaline and adenosine tests) You may be asked to have this test if your doctor suspects Brugada syndrome. While you are having an ECG test you will be given an injection of ajmaline or flecainide (antiarrhythmic
Reveal device When it is difficult to assess or record a symptom because it only happens infrequently – as with blackouts – a reveal device can be used. The device, which is the size of a packet of chewing gum,
Signal averaged ECG This is an ECG that adds together the electrical readings from at least 250 heartbeats so that any very subtle variations can be seen – for example if the electrical impulses in the heart are being conducted
Tilt-table testing Tilt-table testing is used to identify common conditions that can cause blackouts – such as vasovagal syndrome or simple fainting – that tend to particularly affect young women and girls. These symptoms are very similar to the symptoms
We would like to thank the following people for their kind contributions to the medical information on this website.
Professor Sanjay Sharma, Consultant cardiologist, CRY and St George’s, Professor Michael Papadakis, Reader in Cardiology & Honorary Consultant Cardiologist, St George’s, Dr Elijah R Behr, Reader and Honorary Consultant Electrophysiologist Cardiac and Vascular Division, St George’s University of London, Professor William J McKenna, Dr Nabeel Sheikh and Louise Roberts (Illustrations).
We have information available on the following conditions: