Cardiology Centre - Non-Invasive Diagnostic Examinations

Non-Invasive Diagnostic Examinations

The following non-invasive diagnostic examinations are performed at our Centre:

• Resting Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  ECG is a graphic representation of electrical activity occurring in the heart, as detected by electrodes placed on the surface of the body. ECG can provide preliminary evidence of abnormalities such as myocardial infarction, hypertrophy (heart muscle enlargement) or arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), or other conditions such as electrolyte imbalance or drug-induced effects. Therefore, ECG is an indispensable basic method of assessment in suspected cardiac disorders and cardiac rhythm disturbances. It is also used as a baseline screening test or pre-operative assessment.
  
  
• Holter Monitoring
  A Holter monitor is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) that monitors the heart rate of ambulatory patients around the clock. Patients are sent home with the monitor and can carry out their daily activities as usual during the monitoring period. It is most often used for:
  
  • assessment of the severity of abnormal heart rhythm
  • evaluation of patients with syncope (fainting), palpitations (fast and irregular heartbeats) or other symptoms that may be due to heart rhythm disturbance
  • evaluation of the efficacy of anti-arrhythmic treatment (pacemaker implantation, radiofrequency ablation or drug treatment)
  
  
• Echocardiogram
  Echocardiogram, by means of high-frequency sound waves, allows real-time detection of the heart structures and haemodynamic function. It can also provide information on heart contraction activities during rest and stress. Advanced Tissue Doppler Imaging technology allows the physician to accurately assess whether the heart muscle is working in synchrony and to choose the most suitable treatment regimen accordingly.
  
  
• Exercise Treadmill Electrocardiogram Test
  Exercise Treadmill Electrocardiogram Test is a useful non-invasive examination of the cardiovascular response to exercise. This multi-stage test can provide information about your exercise capacity, heart rhythm and the status of oxygen supply to the heart muscles during stress.
  
  
• Advanced Imaging Examinations
  Aside from tests outlined above, advanced technologies such as CT Angiography, Cardiac MRI, Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy Imaging and PET Scan are also commonly used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. For patients who need to undergo these tests, expedited arrangements will be made with relevant departments of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital located in Happy Valley.