Cardiac services

The Shirley Oaks Hospital works closely with a number of highly experienced cardiology consultants in order to offer planned or rapid access to cardiology services for patients with suspected or known heart problems.

The close working relationship between the consultants and staff at The Shirley Oaks Hospital ensures that patients with many aspects of heart disease can be seen and treated.

Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Palpitations
• Dizzy spells and blackouts
• Tiredness or lethargy

Conditions managed include:

• Angina and heart attacks
• Valve disease
• Heart failure
• Heart disease risk factor management e.g. cholesterol
  Hypertension

Non Invasive Procedures

The following procedures are non-invasive and can be performed at The Shirley Oaks Hospital.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test to assess the electrical signals from the heart. It can identify many heart problems e.g. abnormal heart rhythms and blood supply problems.

24 hours and 72 hours EEG

Sometimes it is important to assess the heart rhythm over a longer period of time to capture the cause of palpitations. Continuous electrocardiography monitoring evaluates the heart rate for an extended period.

7 days ECG monitoring

If necessary, we are able to extend the length of time for which a patient’s heart rhythm can be continuously monitored.

Stress ECG

A stress ECG test compares ECGs obtained before, during and after the heart has been stressed through physical exercise (treadmill). This test is most frequently used to diagnose angina.

24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor

This portable device measures blood pressure continuously over a 24-hour period. Its main use is to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension and monitor treatment.

Echocardiogram

This is an ultrasound study of the heart and is used to diagnose the function of the heart and identify structural abnormalities (e.g. valvular disease and evidence of a heart attack).

Tilt table testing

This procedure is for patients who have episodes of syncope, faints and postural hypotension. The patient is positioned on a table, which is tilted to approx 60 degrees (semi standing position), following which, any response in ECG and blood pressure is observed.

Reveal downloads

Reveal monitors are implantable recorders that record an ECG at symptomatic times. This is an extremely useful diagnostic procedure in patients with sporadic symptoms

Vascular scanning

This is an ultrasound test to assess the blood flow through the veins in specific parts of the body. The scans available include carotid artery scanning, limb assessments, varicose vein scanning and DVT scanning.  A full diagnostic report of the findings is produced.

CT coronary angiography

The CT scanner provides highly detailed images of blood vessels and the heart. It is used for finding narrowing in the coronary arteries and for ruling in or out significant heart disease and artery disease or congenital abnormalities.

CT calcium scoring

Coronary artery calcium scoring is a highly advanced non-invasive test that uses a high speed CT scanner and computer software to detect and measure calcium build up on the walls of the arteries that supply the heart (coronary arteries). This test is used to check for heart disease in an early stage and to determine how severe it is. A high calcium score indicates calcified plaque in the arteries and an increased risk of heart attack. 

Making an appointment

Our consultants have clinics throughout the week. Once your heart condition has been diagnosed, patients will be referred to an appropriate consultant with a special interest and experience in that area.