Coronary heart disease

An angiography (or cardiac catheterisation) is a test that can detect blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.

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CT calcium scoring is a CT scan to check for deposits or build-up of plaque on the walls of your coronary arteries (arteries that supply blood to your heart).

A CT scan is used to produce internal cross-sectional images of the body. The images aid the detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment planning.

Cardiac (heart) MRI images allow physicians to better determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be as easily seen with other imaging methods such as x-ray or ultrasound.

An electrophysiology study is a procedure to diagnose and treat an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.

You may benefit from a cardiovascular risk profile if you have high risk factors for heart disease or stroke.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound procedure to examine your heart and its function including the level of blood flow.

An ECG (Electrocardiogram) measures the electrical activity of the heart and gives important information about the rate and regularity of beats, the size and position of the chambers and any damage to the heart.

If a normal ECG does not reveal any problems your consultant may recommend measuring your heart activity over 24 hours, 48 hours or 7 days using an event monitor.

Family history screening may be done for a number of reasons including a family history of cancers or heart disease.

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An MRI is a type of scan that creates detailed images of the inside of your body. Your doctor or healthcare professional has recommended an MRI scan because it is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

This involves the surgical opening of a vein to withdraw blood.

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a diagnostic ultrasound test to look at the valves of your heart.

An X-ray machine produces images of the inside of the body. It is effective in assessing bones and other dense structures within the body.

The Zio® XT is an external, non-invasive ECG (electrocardiogram) monitor that records your heart rhythm for up to 14 days.

Cardiac catheterisation involves inserting a very thin tube into the right side of your heart.

Cardiac clinical pharmacology involves the prescribing and monitoring of drugs used to treat a variety of cardiac conditions.

Following a heart attack or after some surgical procedures your consultant may recommend cardiac rehabilitation.

Sometimes plaque begins to build up on the walls of the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the head and neck.

Coronary angioplasty (or PCI) is a procedure to re-open a narrowed heart artery by inflating a tiny balloon in the narrowed segments.

If conservative methods to treat your angina are not successful your consultant may recommend coronary artery bypass graft.

If you have had heart failure in the past or if you are at risk of heart failure your surgeon may recommend an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

Interventional cardiology includes procedures performed on the heart using catheterisation (tiny, flexible tubes).

Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery that uses radiological image guidance (X-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI) to aid treatment.

Left atrial appendage occlusion aims to prevent blood clot formation in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.

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