cardiology
The Metica cardiology clinic is designed to offer patients a comprehensive service where they can undergo consultations and diagnostic tests – such as ECGs, colour Doppler echocardiograms, blood pressure Holter monitors and cardiac Holter monitors – quickly and conveniently.
A cardiology consultation is useful for diagnosing and treating major cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies and heart valve diseases, as well as for monitoring patients with artificial heart valves.
It is also useful for determining the cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope, dizziness and palpitations, and for assessing whether they are linked to cardiac conditions.
HOW DOES THE CONSULTATION WORK?
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gathering information on the patient’s medical history and lifestyle
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auscultation of the heart and measurement of blood pressure
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The examination always includes an electrocardiogram which, by monitoring the heart’s electrical activity, makes it possible to confirm or rule out the presence of coronary artery disease, changes in cardiac output or arrhythmias;
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The following diagnostic tests may be carried out: colour Doppler echocardiography, blood pressure Holter monitoring and cardiac Holter monitoring.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
There are no specific instructions regarding preparation for a cardiology consultation. Patients are advised to bring the following with them:
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any previous tests and
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a list of any medicines taken on a daily basis.
CARDIOLOGY SERVICES
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specialist cardiology consultation
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electrocardiogram (ECG)
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Holter monitor
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blood pressure monitoring (MAP)
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colour Doppler echocardiography
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echocardiogram
Why book a CARDIAC HOLTER AND BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING appointment in Metica?
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The cost of the test is less than the standard healthcare charge
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You do not need a referral from your GP
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You can have the test carried out very quickly, avoiding unnecessary waiting times
It is a non-invasive and painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity 24 hours a day.
It is carried out using a device that records the heart’s electrical activity for at least 24 hours.
The patient books two appointments at Metica: one to have the device fitted and one to have it removed, along with the data which the doctor will analyse to make a diagnosis.
Useful information
Whilst the Holter monitor is recording, the patient should go about their daily activities as normal, taking care only to ensure that the electrodes do not come away from the skin due to excessive movement.
What is a blood pressure Holter monitor?
It is a non-invasive and painless test that allows blood pressure to be monitored 24 hours a day. It is an important tool for checking for:
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unstable high blood pressure
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high blood pressure under drug treatment
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emotionally induced high blood pressure
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symptoms associated with fluctuations in blood pressure
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it is also used to monitor athletes whilst they are competing.
How is a blood pressure Holter monitor carried out?
A device is fitted to the patient, which must be worn for a full day so that it automatically records their blood pressure every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.
The patient may note down any information that may be considered useful for the test (activities undertaken, symptoms, complaints, stress factors).
After 24 hours, the patient returns to our clinic to have the device removed so that the doctor can analyse the recorded data and make a diagnosis.
Useful information
The patient should go about their normal daily routine to identify the circumstances in which the circulatory problems under investigation occur. Comfortable clothing is recommended to make it easier to fit the device.