Cardiac non-invasive diagnostics

What we do

We carry out a wide range of non-invasive investigations using the latest, cutting-edge technology to help diagnose underlying heart conditions. We are also one of the leading centres in Europe for clinical research. We work closely with King’s Heart Failure Service, Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic (RACPC) and Cardiac Rehabilitation.

The main tests we offer include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG). This records the electrical activity that triggers each heartbeat. You have small patches (electrodes) attached to your body that are connected to an ECG machine.
• 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring. This records the electrical activity of your heart while you are doing your normal activities. Electrodes are attached to your chest and connected to a small lightweight recorder on a belt which you wear round your waist.
• 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). You wear a small blood pressure monitor and cuff which take regular readings while you are doing your normal activities.
• Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET). This measures your breathing, blood pressure and how much oxygen is in your blood while you exercise on a treadmill or cycle machine. You also have an ECG.
• Exercise tolerance test (ETT). This uses an ECG to record the electrical activity of your heart while you walk on a treadmill. Your blood pressure will also be monitored.
• Tilt table test (TTT). This involves lying down on a special table which is moved to a standing position. We then monitor your blood pressure and give you an ECG. We will place safety belts around your body to make you feel secure.
  

Preparing for your appointment

Your doctor will advise you whether you need to stop any medication you are taking.

• If you are having 24-hour ambulatory ECG or blood pressure monitoring you will not be able to bathe or shower while you are wearing the recorder.
• If you are having CPET, do not smoke for at least eight hours before the test, and avoid drinks containing caffeine for two hours beforehand. Try to be well rested and avoid any heavy exercise earlier on the same day. Please tell us of any conditions that could affect your ability to move, walk, stand or keep your balance.
• If you are having an ETT, do not have a heavy meal within one hour of the test. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, suitable for exercise. If you take beta blockers, you should stop 48 hours before your test, unless specifically requested not to stop by your cardiologist.
• If you are having a TTT, do not eat or drink for four hours before the test and bring a change of clothes.
  

Location

Suite 6, Golden Jubilee Wing, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Contact Details

• Appointments: +44 (0)20 3299 3386
• Reception: +44 (0)20 3299 4480

Patient Information Leaflets

Conditions we treat

We provide a full range of non-invasive cardiac diagnostics, most of which – but not all – can be referred to by GPs.

They include:

• 12-lead ECG for patients with arrhythmias, palpitations, dizziness, blackouts or hypertension. This is a GP open access service.
• 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring for patients with arrhythmias, palpitations, dizziness, blackouts or requiring a medication review. This is a GP open access service for 24-hour tape only.
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring for patients with hypertension, White Coat Syndrome or requiring a medication review.
• Exercise tolerance testing (ETT) for patients with exertional chest pain, arrhythmias, palpitations, dizziness or requiring a DVLA or medication review. This is a GP open access service.
• Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for patients with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, an impairment/disability, to prescribe pulmonary rehabilitation, for preoperative evaluation before lung, heart and heart-lung transplantation, or to measure exercise tolerance. This service cannot be referred to by GPs.
• Table tilt testing (TTT) for patients who have been experiencing dizzy spells or blackouts and who have been referred to one of our cardiologists by their doctor. The cardiologist may feel that their symptoms are related to a change in blood pressure or heart rate, in which case they will request a tilt test and an outpatient appointment will be made at our cardiology department. This service cannot be referred to by GPs.
  

Booking a patient at King's

Routine Referrals

For routine referrals for 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and ETT, contact Stephanie Bayne or Hannah Lowden:

Tel 020 3299 4480

Emergency Referrals

For emergency referrals for 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and ETT, contact Stephanie Bayne or Hannah Lowden:

Tel 020 3299 4480

Other Queries

For all other queries about 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and ETT, contact Stephanie Bayne or Hannah Lowden:

Tel 020 3299 4480

Referral Forms

Please complete the relevant form and note any pre-consultation investigations required:

• 12 lead ECG referral form
• 24HR BP monitor referral form
• 24HR ECG monitor referral form
• Exercise tolerance test (ETT) referral form

Key Clinical Staff