Patient information sheet

  • What is a Holter Monitor?

    A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) over 24 to 48 hours—or longer, if needed. It helps your doctor assess your heart rhythm during your usual daily activities, including sleep and exercise.

    Why is it done?

    Your doctor may recommend a Holter monitor if you have:

    • Irregular heartbeats (palpitations)

    • Unexplained dizziness or fainting

    • Chest discomfort

    • Symptoms that may not occur during a brief ECG in the clinic

    • It helps detect arrhythmias or other heart rhythm issues that come and go.

    Before the Test

    • Wear a loose two-piece outfit (preferably a button-up shirt) on the day of the fitting

    • Avoid using lotions or oils on your chest

    • Inform us if you have a skin condition, allergies to adhesive, or chest hair that may need shaving for electrode placement

    What to Expect

    • Small electrodes will be attached to your chest and connected to a monitor (worn on a strap or clipped to your waistband)

    • You will be asked to carry on with your normal routine, including work, exercise, and sleep

    • Avoid getting the device wet—do not bathe, shower, or swim while wearing it.

    Patient Diary

    • You may be given a symptom diary

    • Record the time and description of any symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain

    • Note the activity you were doing at the time (e.g. walking, resting, eating).

    Important Instructions

    • Do not tamper with or remove the monitor or leads unless instructed

    • Avoid close contact with magnets or strong electrical fields (e.g. electric blankets, microwaves held close to the body)

    • Return the monitor as instructed, usually the next day at the same clinic

    After the Test

    • Once the monitor is returned, the recording is analysed by our team

    • A report will be sent to your referring doctor within a few working days

  • What is ABPM?

    24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is a test that measures your blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period while you go about your normal daily activities and sleep. It provides a more accurate assessment of your blood pressure compared to a single reading in the clinic.

    Why is it done?

    Your doctor may recommend ABPM to:

    • Diagnose high blood pressure (hypertension)

    • Monitor treatment effectiveness

    • Investigate symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or fainting

    • Assess blood pressure during daily stress, work, and sleep

    What to Expect

    • A cuff is placed on your upper arm and connected to a small monitor worn on a belt or strap

    • The device inflates and records your blood pressure automatically every 15–30 minutes during the day and every 30–60 minutes at night

    • You will be asked to wear the device continuously for 24 hours and return it the following day

    Before the Test

    • Wear a loose-fitting top or shirt to allow easy cuff placement

    • Avoid applying lotions or creams to your upper arm

    • Please bring a list of your current medications

    During the Monitoring

    • Try to keep your arm relaxed and still during each reading

    • Continue normal daily activities but avoid heavy exercise or contact sports

    • You must not shower, bathe, or get the monitor wet

    Returning the Monitor

    • Please return the monitor to the clinic at the time advised

    • The cuff and monitor will be removed, and the data analysed

    • A report will be sent to your referring doctor within a few working days

    Important Notes

    • Please do not tamper with the monitor or cuff

    • Please take care not to drop, damage, or expose the device to water

    • In the event of loss or damage, you may be charged for repair or replacement costs, which can cost up to 2000$

  • What is an Echocardiogram?

    An echocardiogram (echo) is a non-invasive ultrasound scan of your heart. It uses sound waves (no radiation) to provide real-time images of your heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow.

    Why is it Performed?

    Your doctor may request an echo to:

    • Investigate symptoms such as breathlessness or chest discomfort.

    • Monitor known heart conditions or assess how well treatments are working.

    What to Expect

    1. Arrival: Upon arrival, the echocardiographer will greet you and guide you to the echo room.

    2. Positioning: You will lie on the examination bed, usually on your left side.

    3. Gel Application: A small amount of gel is applied to your chest to improve image clarity.

    4. Scanning: The echocardiographer moves the ultrasound probe across your chest to capture images from multiple angles. The echocardiographer may occasionally ask you to hold your breath briefly to obtain clearer images.

    5. Duration: The entire procedure typically takes ~30 minutes. You may leave immediately afterwards.

    Privacy and Chaperones

    • We respect your comfort and privacy. A gown or sheet will be provided.

    • Chaperone Request: If you would prefer a chaperone, please inform us in advance. This allows us to schedule a same-sex echocardiographer or arrange for a clinical nurse to be present.

    After the Test

    • No recovery time is required; you can return to your normal activities straight away.

    • A cardiologist will review your images and provide a report to your referring doctor or discuss the results with you at your follow-up appointment.

    For further information or any concerns, please contact us on (03) 9998 7477. We are dedicated to providing high-quality cardiology care.

  • Introduction

    An Exercise Stress Echocardiogram (stress echo) combines an ultrasound examination of your heart with exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike. This test helps determine how your heart responds to physical exertion.

    Why is it Performed?

    • Assess symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or palpitations.

    • Detect or monitor coronary artery disease.

    • Evaluate the effectiveness of current treatments.

    • Determine overall cardiovascular fitness.

    Preparation

    • Clothing: Wear comfortable attire and footwear suitable for exercise.

    • Medications: You may be instructed to withhold certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers like metoprolol or atenolol) before the test, as they can affect the results. Follow any guidance from your doctor.

    • Food & Drink: You may be advised to avoid heavy meals or certain beverages (e.g., caffeine). Please follow any specific instructions given.

    Procedure

    1. Baseline: A resting echocardiogram is performed.

    2. Exercise:

      • You will walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike.

      • Your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG (electrocardiogram) will be closely monitored throughout.

    3. Post-Exercise: Another echocardiogram will be taken immediately after exercise to compare with your resting images.

    Duration

    • The entire test usually takes 30–45 minutes.

    • You can typically resume normal activities afterwards unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

    Privacy and Chaperones

    • We respect your comfort and privacy; a gown or sheet will be provided as needed.

    • Chaperone: If you would like a chaperone present, please inform us in advance so we can arrange a same-sex sonographer or have a clinical nurse on hand.

    Possible Risks

    • Common Side Effects: Shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness can occur during exercise.

    • Rare Complications: These may include irregular heart rhythms, chest pain, or elevated blood pressure. In extremely rare cases, serious cardiac events such as heart attack or death could occur.

    • Our team is fully trained to manage any issues promptly, and you will be monitored closely throughout the test.

    Results

    • A cardiologist will analyse your images and exercise data.

    • A formal report will be sent to your referring doctor, or your results will be discussed at your next appointment.