Stress echocardiography clinics

Outpatient clinics

Location: cardiac outpatients (PDF 38Kb) ground floor, North Wing, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH

When they are held:

• stress echocardiography sessions are held daily.

Stress echo clinics

Location: cardiac outpatients (PDF 38Kb), ground floor, North Wing, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH

When they are held and lead consultants:

• Monday afternoons led by Dr Carr-White, Dr Kapetanakis or Dr Rajani

• Tuesdays

• Wednesday mornings led by Professor Chambers

• Thursday mornings

• Friday mornings led by Dr Kapetanakis

Why have I been referred?

Your doctor has referred you to this clinic because they think your chest pain may be related to your heart and would like this to be investigated. A stress echocardiogram is an investigation that is used to assess the blood supply to your heart muscle.

About your appointment

• What will happen at the clinic?

  Please go straight to the reception desk in the cardiology outpatients department so we can book you in.

  At the time of your appointment, you will be called into the specialist echocardiography room. Here your details will be confirmed and your symptoms reviewed. Following this, you will be asked to change into a gown and the sonographer will take some ultrasound pictures of your heart. The doctor will then position a drip into your arm through which medication required for the test can be administered. This medication is designed to stress your heart and also to enable us to visualise your heart chambers clearly. Whilst you are receiving the medication, the sonographer will take some further ultrasound pictures of your heart at various stages. You will be closely monitored during the test by regular checks of your blood pressure and heart rate.

  On occasion rather then administering you medication to stress your heart, the team may elect to use a specially designed exercise bike to increase your heart rate.

• What happens after I have had the tests?

  The result will be reviewed by a consultant specialist and sent by letter to the referrer with a copy to you.

• How can I prepare for the clinic?

  • Bring a list of your current medications with you to the clinic, as well as details for each medication the dosage and how often you need to take them.
  • It is generally advised that if you are currently taking beta blockers (e.g. metoprolol, bisoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol, nadolol) as a medication, that these should be stopped for 48 hours prior to the test appointment.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing with an easily removable top.

  • Avoid eating a heavy meal on the morning of the test or at lunch time if your test is booked for the afternoon.

  • Arrange transport home (you will be able to use public transport). It is often beneficial to have a friend or relative accompany you at the time of your appointment.

• Giving my consent (permission)

  Remember, it is your decision to undergo any test or treatment. You can change your mind at any time, even if you have attended the appointment. Let staff know immediately if you change your mind. Your wishes will be respected at all times. If you would like to read our consent policy, please tell a member of staff.

• Will I have a follow-up appointment?

  If your tests are normal you will not need a follow-up appointment and you and your GP will receive your results in a letter.

  If we feel that you will require further tests, we will inform your referring doctor or make the necessary arrangements for the tests to be performed if appropriate.

• Quality control

  Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals have a rigid policy of quality control which is also in place for the stress echocardiography service. All individuals involved in the test have a high-level of experience. Cases and results are reviewed on a weekly basis amongst the specialists to ensure quality control and consistency in reporting.