ECGAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. The machine that records the ECG is called an electrograph. The electrograph records the electrical activity of the heart muscle and displays this data as a trace on a screen or on paper. This data is then interpreted by the cardiologist. ECG’s from normal, healthy hearts have a characteristic shape. Any irregularity in the heart rhythm or damage to the heart muscle can change the electrical activity of the heart so that the shape of the ECG is changed. |  |
 | 24 Hour Blood Pressure MonitorA 24 hour blood pressure monitor is a portable blood pressure monitor that is worn for 24hours on a belt connected to a cuff on the upper arm. It provides a more accurate overall assessment of your blood pressure as it measures blood pressure and heart rate while continuing with daily tasks and is also worn when sleeping. |
HeartbugHeartbug is a small non-invasive device, approximately the size of a 50c coin that monitors your heart's electrical activity (ECG) for up to 28 days through an app on your smart phone. It is worn continuously during the 28 day period even in the shower. |  |
 | EchocardiogramAn Echocardiogram is an non invasive ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create images of the heart to assess the structure and function of the heart. The sonographer places some small electrode dots on the chest to monitor your heart rate and rhythm. Gel is placed on an ultrasound probe and the sonographer moves it over the chest area to create pictures of the heart from different angles. During the study you will hear noises which reflect the blood flow through your heart. Ultrasound is a safe and does not pose any risks to the patient. The test takes between 30-40mins and there are no special requirements before the test. |
Stress EchocardiogramA Stress Echocardiogram requires you to exercise for a short period on a treadmill while your heart rhythm and blood pressure is being monitored. Ultrasound images will be taken of the heart before and after exercise. This allows the Cardiologist to assess for any changes in your hearts function at rest and at exercise that might indicate disease. The test takes approximately 30minutes and you will be given instructions prior to your test regarding preparation and medication to stop before the test. |  |
 | Pacemaker, Implanted Defibrillator and Loop Recorder checkPacemaker checks are carried out at the time of implantation and at regular intervals thereafter. Dr David Chieng performs Pacemaker checks at our clinics in Wonthaggi, Noble Park and Cabrini. When checked, information is gathered about the battery and general performance of the implant. Most pacemakers also store information about the rhythm of the heart when it is not being paced. Depending on the type of pacemaker or defibrillator, checks can be between 3 to 12months. |
Holter MonitorA holter monitor is essentially an ECG, or a reading of the electrical activity of the heart, which records continuously throughout the monitoring period, most commonly 24hours. |  |
Victorian Heart and Lung Clinic offer bulk billing for Stress Echocardiogram.