A quick guide to what each test involves and how to prepare. If you're unsure about anything, please call us on 02 4086 3830.
If you develop severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms, call 000 immediately.
Before any test
Please follow the specific instructions given by Heart Solutions or the imaging/hospital service performing your test. Bring your referral, Medicare card, a list of your medications, and any relevant previous cardiac results. Do not stop any medication unless you have been specifically asked to.
Echocardiogram
UltrasoundBulk billed
An echocardiogram (or "echo") is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows the size and pumping function of the heart, how the heart valves are working, and whether there are any structural problems. Gel is placed on your chest and an ultrasound probe is moved across different areas while you lie on an examination bed. No radiation is used and the test is painless.
How to prepare: no special preparation is usually needed — you can eat, drink and take your usual medications unless told otherwise. You may be asked to lie on your side or briefly hold your breath for clearer pictures.
Stress Echocardiogram
Exercise + ultrasoundBulk billed
A stress echocardiogram combines a heart ultrasound with exercise, usually on a treadmill, to assess how your heart muscle and valves work when the heart is made to work harder. Pictures are taken before and immediately after exercise while your ECG, heart rate, blood pressure and symptoms are monitored.
How to prepare: wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. You may be asked to avoid caffeine or adjust certain medications beforehand — only do this if you are specifically instructed.
Stress ECG
Exercise test
A stress ECG (exercise stress test) looks at the electrical activity of the heart during exercise. It is often used to investigate chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise tolerance, rhythm changes, or possible reduced blood supply to the heart. You walk on a treadmill while ECG leads are attached to your chest.
How to prepare: wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Let staff know beforehand if you have chest pain, feel unwell, use an inhaler, or have difficulty walking.
CT Coronary Angiogram
CT · Contrast
A CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) is a specialised CT scan that takes detailed pictures of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. It helps look for narrowing, plaque or blockages. The scan uses X-rays and an iodine-based contrast dye through a small cannula in your arm.
How to prepare: you may be asked to avoid caffeine and to fast before the scan. Tell staff if you have kidney problems, asthma, diabetes, an iodine contrast allergy, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
24 Hour Holter Monitor
Monitor · 24 hours
A Holter monitor is a small portable ECG recorder worn for 24 hours. It continuously records your heart rhythm while you go about your usual daily activities. Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to the monitor.
How to prepare: keep a diary of symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or breathlessness so they can be matched with the recording. Do not remove the monitor during the recording period, and follow the instructions about showering — many monitors must be kept dry.
Heart Bug Monitor
Monitor · up to 28 days
A Heart Bug is a small ECG event monitor used for longer-term heart rhythm monitoring, often up to 28 days. It is useful when symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or fainting do not happen every day, and can detect changes that may be missed on a standard ECG or 24-hour Holter.
How to prepare: follow the Heart Bug instructions for wearing the device, changing stickers, charging, using the app, showering and returning it. Contact us if the device is uncomfortable, comes loose, or you develop a skin reaction.
Coronary Angiogram
Invasive · Cath lab
A coronary angiogram is an invasive test performed in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory. It uses X-ray imaging and contrast dye to look directly at the coronary arteries. A cardiologist inserts a thin catheter, usually through an artery in the wrist or groin, and guides it to the heart. If a significant narrowing is found, treatment such as a stent may sometimes be performed at the same sitting.
How to prepare: you will receive specific hospital instructions about fasting, blood thinners, diabetes medications, transport and recovery. You should not drive yourself home after the procedure.
Right Heart Catheterisation
Invasive · Cath lab
A right heart catheterisation measures pressures and oxygen levels in the right side of the heart and the lung circulation. It is often used to assess pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, valve disease or unexplained breathlessness. A thin catheter is inserted through a vein — commonly in the neck, arm or groin — and guided into the right side of the heart.
What to expect: you will be monitored during and after the procedure. Possible side effects include bruising at the puncture site and temporary palpitations; the hospital team will explain your individual risks.
Cardiac MRI
MRI scan
A cardiac MRI uses a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of the heart. It can assess heart size, pumping function, muscle inflammation or scarring, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, valve disease and blood flow. You lie still inside the scanner and may hear loud tapping noises — ear protection is provided.
How to prepare: some scans use contrast dye through a cannula. Tell staff if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, implanted device, metal fragments, kidney problems, claustrophobia, or if you may be pregnant — some devices are MRI-safe, but this must be checked before the scan.
