Cardiology Diagnostic Tests
Mayo Clinic Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of cardiology diagnostic tests to assess your heart’s health. Using our state-of-the-art equipment, these tests help your cardiology consultants to receive clear answers and a personalised plan fast.
What are cardiology diagnostic tests?
These are scans and tests that assess your heart’s rhythm, structure and function. These are used to both identify heart conditions early and guide the most appropriate treatment plan going forward.
What symptoms may require cardiology diagnostic tests?
It may be worth booking a cardiology diagnostic test if you are experiencing:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- High blood pressure
- A family history of heart problems
Our consultants may refer you for one or more of the procedures outlined below.
Heart rhythm and blood pressure monitoring
These cardiology diagnostic tests are non-invasive ways to monitor your heart.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive test that records the electrical signals of your heart. Through this, consultants can detect a range of different issues, including abnormal heart rhythm, structural abnormalities of the heart, and coronary artery disease.
Exercise Tolerance Test (Stress ECG)
Sometimes referred to as a “stress test”, this assesses the activity of your heart while you walk on a treadmill. Starting at a comfortable pace, your consultant will then oversee as the test increases in intensity. This monitors how well your heart pumps under pressure.
Holter & Cardiac Monitors
A Holter monitor is often used for frequent symptoms. It is a small, wearable device that records continuous heart activity for 24 to 72 hours. You may also be recommended a cardiac monitor, which records heart activity for more sporadic symptoms and monitors your heart over a longer period, for up to 14 days.
24-Hr Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
This tests your blood pressure on a continuous basis, allowing your consultant to get an accurate read of your blood pressure over the course of a full day.
Ultrasound | Echocardiography
These are cardiology diagnostic tests that assess your heart’s structure and function.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
The most common form of echocardiogram, this TTE is a scan of your heart, the four chambers and nearby blood vessels.
Bubble Transthoracic Echocardiogram
Often known as a “bubble contrast” exam, this test looks for holes in the heart. This can detect Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), which can cause strokes.
Stress Echocardiography
Whilst an exercise tolerance test records your heart rhythm during physical activity, a stress echocardiogram goes further. Typically done before or after exercise, the test monitors well your heart pumps when under strain.
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE)
A minimally invasive scan where a probe is passed down through the throat into the oesophagus to capture clear pictures of valves, chambers and blood clots in real time. It uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart.
Advanced imaging cardiology diagnostic tests
These cardiology diagnostic tests take detailed pictures of your heart and coronary arteries. This imaging helps your consultant understand your heart in detail, so you can receive the right diagnosis and treatment without delay.
CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA)
A CT Coronary Angiogram is a non-invasive scan used to create detailed images of your heart. By using contrast dye and advanced CT imaging, the test can show narrow or blocked arteries that increase your risk of a heart attack. This is a quick scan, typically completed within twenty minutes.
Calcium Score (CT)
Also known as a “cardiac calcium score”, this test measures the amount of calcified plaque inside your coronary arteries. Your result is given a numerical score which helps to estimate your future risk of coronary artery disease. Unlike the CT angiogram, no dye is used.
Cardiac MRI (CMR)
A Cardiac MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of your heart. This assesses inflammation, any damage to the muscles, or any structural abnormalities of your heart.
Stress Cardiac MRI
This scans your heart under strain, but unlike other stress tests, exercise is mimicked through medication rather than physical activity. It is an alternative to patients who cannot perform a standard stress test.
Vascular & circulation imaging
These are tests that assess your circulatory system and detect issues within your arteries.
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
This test evaluates the carotid arteries - the arteries found in the neck - to assess for blocked or narrowed arteries, which may increase your risk of stroke. This scan takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound
This ultrasound scan measures the size and shape of your aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. This is typically given to check for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The procedure is quick, painless, and performed through an ultrasound of your belly.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (VO₂ Max)
This is a test that measures how your body works together during exercise, identifying any potential limits to performance. It is intended for athletes of all levels.
Blood Tests
These are simple blood tests that determine the health of your heart, through identifying any risk factors of heart disease or signs of heart damage.
Cholesterol Fractions Blood Test
Also referred to as a lipid panel, a cholesterol fractions blood test measures your cholesterol levels and the amount of triglycerides in your blood. If your levels are raised, your consultant will discuss lifestyle changes or treatment options to reduce cardiovascular risk.
NT-proBNP / BNP Blood Test
This is a blood test used for the early detection and monitoring of cardiac and cardiovascular diseases. This test measures a hormone released by the heart when under strain and can assess or diagnose heart failure.
Do I need a referral for cardiology diagnostic tests?
You will typically need a referral from one of our consultants for any of these procedures to ensure it is clinically appropriate or necessary for you.
Where will my cardiology diagnostic tests be performed?
Mayo Clinic Healthcare provides a full range of cardiology diagnostic tests, all performed on site at 15 Portland Place, London W1B 1PT, United Kingdom.
Private health insurance
Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.
Book a cardiology diagnostic test today
Our team is available to assist with appointments, answer your questions and guide you through the next steps. Request an appointment with us today.