Non-Invasive Investigation
There are several non-invasive ways we can assess the health of the heart. Below is a brief summary of the investigative assessments available through consultation at Perth Cardiovascular Institute.
Cardiac consultation services are available daily.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A 12 Lead ECG investigates the function of the heart's electrical conduction system. During the test, adhesive or suction electrodes are positioned on the chest and limbs.
Please Note: Men may require small areas on the chest to be shaved to ensure adequate skin contact. Do not use talc, body lotion or wear neck chains.
Test takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Medicare Rebate available.
Exercise Stress Testing
Exercise testing investigates how the heart responds to physical exertion and helps determine exercise capacity.
Electrodes are positioned on the patient’s chest and connected to a monitoring unit. The patient is required to exercise on a treadmill – the speed and gradient of the treadmill is increased every 3 minutes.
Heart rate, electrocardiogram and blood pressure are monitored until our consultant gets a clear insight into how the heart is working at maximum capacity.
Recovery is then monitored until heart rate, ECG and blood pressure return to normal.
IMPORTANT: Patients should ask their referring doctor if current medication should be temporarily stopped before the test.
Test takes about 20 minutes.
Medicare Rebate available.
VIDEO: Exercise Stress Testing (Animation)
©EmedTV
Download: Exercise Stress Test Consent Form 
Echocardiography
(Transthoracic, Transoesophageal and Stress – Dobutamine and Treadmill)
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It provides a visual image that assists with examination of cardiac function. During this procedure, electrodes are positioned on the patient’s chest to record an electrocardiogram. While this is happening, a Cardiac Sonographer uses a hand probe on the patient’s chest to take pictures of the heart. For more information the different types of Echocardiography, please see information sheets below.
Test takes about 45 minutes.
Medicare Rebate available.
VIDEO: Stress Echocardiography
©CardioSmart
VIDEO: Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
©CardioSmart
Download: Exercise Stress Test Consent Form
Download: Dobutamine Stress Echo Consent Form
Holter Monitoring
A Holter monitor (ambulatory ECG monitor) continuously records the electrical conduction system of the heart for 24 hours. The ECG tracings acquired during the recording are analysed by a cardiologist and a report is forwarded to the patient’s referring doctor.
During the monitoring, adhesive electrodes are placed over the patient’s chest and connected to a portable monitor positioned on a waist belt. Before monitoring begins, a cardiac technician instructs the patient on how to record any symptoms experienced whilst wearing the monitor.
Please bath/shower prior to your monitor fitting, as you will NOT be able to shower/swim during the next 24 hours. Wear a two piece outfit, preferably loose fitting, as this enables the monitor to be worn in a discreet manner. Do not use talc, body lotion or wear neck chains.
Fitting and removal of this monitor requires two visits 24 hours apart. Each fitting consultation takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Medicare Rebate is available.
Event Monitoring
An Event monitor is like a Holter monitor, but Event monitoring requires the monitor to be worn for a week. The Event monitor is activated by the patient to record an ECG during symptomatic events.
The ECG tracings acquired are analysed by a cardiologist and a report is forwarded to the patient’s referring doctor.
During the monitoring, adhesive electrodes are placed over the patient’s chest (see ECG) and connected to a portable monitor positioned on a waist belt. Before monitoring begins, a cardiac technician instructs the patient on how to record any symptoms experienced whilst wearing the monitor.
Please bath/shower prior to your monitor fitting, as you will NOT be able to shower/swim during the next 24 hours. Wear a two piece outfit, preferably loose fitting, as this enables the monitor to be worn in a discreet manner. Do not use talc, body lotion or wear neck chains.
Fitting and removal of this monitor requires two visits, one week apart. Each fitting consultation takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Medicare Rebate is available.
Ambulatory BP Monitoring
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor automatically records blood pressure over a 24 hour period. The blood pressure cuff automatically inflates and records the patient’s blood pressure at hourly intervals. The blood pressure readings are then analysed by a cardiologist and a report is forwarded to the patient’s referring doctor.
Before the monitoring begins, a cardiac technician instructs the patient on how to record any symptoms experienced whilst wearing the monitor.
Please bath/shower prior to your monitor fitting, as you will NOT be able to shower/swim during the next 24 hours. Wear a two piece outfit, preferably loose fitting, as this enables the monitor to be worn in a discreet manner. Do not use talc, body lotion or wear neck chains.
Fitting and removal of the monitor requires two visits 24 hours apart.
Each consultation takes 10 to 20 minutes.
A Medicare Rebate is NOT available for this test.