What is it

A basic heart screening consists of a series of checks that can help you understand your overall heart health.

Your doctor may recommend it for

Detecting heart disease

What you can expect

The screening is conducted in four parts: measurement, blood analysis, basic cardiac tests, and a personalised consultation with our experienced cardiologist.

What is it

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a safe and painless test that checks the electrical activity of your heart. 

Your doctor may recommend it for

• Your yearly medical examination
• Heart surgery or procedures requiring anaesthesia 
• Diagnosing heart disease

Used to investigate symptoms such as

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Hypertension

What you can expect

An ECG takes about 5 minutes and does not require any prior preparation. 

What is it

A 24-hour Holter monitor (ambulatory ECG monitoring) test records your heart’s electrical activity continuously for about 24 hours, while you go about your normal daily activities. 

Your doctor may recommend it for

• Diagnosing arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
• Monitoring ECG after electrophysiological procedures such as ablation

Used to investigate symptoms such as

• Palpitations
• Giddiness
• Fainting spells

What you can expect

To prepare for the test, take a shower before you come and wear loose-fitting clothing without low necklines. Avoid applying lotion, oil, or powder to your chest. Men may need a small amount of chest hair shaved. 

The process to attach the monitoring device takes about 15-20 minutes. Once it is attached, you can go about your usual activities, but avoid getting it wet or disconnected.

Come back the following day, and we’ll remove the device. The recording will be downloaded and analysed, which takes about 1-2 hours. Then you can see the doctor to review the results. 

What is it

Our new wireless ECG monitoring device is lightweight, waterproof, and comfortable to wear. It allows for an extended period of ECG monitoring. You can choose from 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day monitoring depending on your medical needs. 

Your doctor may recommend it for

• Diagnosing arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
• Monitoring ECG after electrophysiological procedures such as ablation

Used to investigate symptoms such as

• Palpitations
• Giddiness
• Fainting spells

What you can expect

Similar to the traditional Holter monitor, you may go about your daily activities after attaching the device. The ECG recording will be downloaded and analysed when the device is returned to us. You can then review the recording with your doctor when the report is ready. 

What is it

The blood pressure monitoring test records blood pressure readings automatically at fixed intervals throughout the day and night for 24 hours.

Your doctor may recommend it for

• Diagnosis of hypertension
• Determining if your blood pressure medication is effective

Used to investigate symptoms such as

• Borderline hypertension
• White coat hypertension
• Poor blood pressure control

What you can expect

Take a shower before the test and wear loose-fitting clothing with no tight sleeves. Don’t worry if the blood pressure cuff leaves slight red marks on your arm, they will disappear on their own within a day or two. Return to the clinic the following day and we’ll remove the device for you.

What is it

A treadmill exercise test, or stress ECG, helps you understand how your heart responds to physical stress, to determine the presence of blocked arteries or arrhythmias. 

Your doctor may recommend it for

• Diagnosing of coronary artery disease
• Diagnosing arrhythmias

Used to investigate symptoms such as

• Chest pain or shortness of breath (which worsens with increased activity)
• Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) during exercise

What you can expect

The test itself lasts about 15 minutes, but please allow approximately 30 minutes for the entire process, including preparation and recovery time. 

Bring along your sports attire, including running shoes and shorts. If you have asthma, remember to bring your inhaler with you. Avoid heavy meals before the test and check with your doctor if you need to stop any medications (particularly heart rate controlling drugs)

What is it

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive scan that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart.

Your doctor may recommend it for

• Identifying structural and functional abnormalities of the heart
• Detecting heart valve or heart muscle diseases 

What you can expect

The test takes about 30 minutes for a standard scan and up to one hour for a more complex scan. No special preparation is needed for this test. 

During the test, a cardiac sonographer will scan your heart from different angles using an ultrasound probe with some gel. You may be asked to regulate your breathing or hold your breath for better image quality, as the lungs can sometimes interfere with the images.

What is it

A treadmill stress echocardiogram combines an ultrasound study of the heart with a treadmill exercise test to assess how well your heart and blood vessels are functioning. It is more accurate in diagnosing coronary artery disease than a treadmill exercise stress test.

Your doctor may recommend it for

• Diagnosing coronary heart disease
• Monitoring how well heart treatment and medications are working

Used to investigate symptoms such as

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

What you can expect

A treadmill stress echocardiogram takes around 1 hour, with 20-30 minutes of scanning and 9-12 minutes of treadmill exercise. 

Wear sports attire and avoid heavy meals before the test. If you have asthma, bring your inhaler and inform the doctor. During the test, notify the medical technologist if you experience chest pain, dizziness, or breathlessness.