Understanding your heart

Our doctor-reviewed articles are being written. In the meantime, each guide below explains a test or treatment in plain language — what it is, who needs it and how it is done.

• 01 · Patient guideECG (Electrocardiogram)A quick, painless recording of your heart's electrical activity — usually the first test a cardiologist asks for.
• 02 · Patient guide2D Echocardiography (2D Echo)An ultrasound scan of the heart that shows how well it pumps and how its valves and chambers are working.
• 03 · Patient guideTreadmill Test (TMT)An exercise stress test that shows how your heart copes with exertion, and can reveal problems that stay hidden at rest.
• 04 · Patient guideHolter MonitoringA small, portable ECG recorder worn at home to catch heart-rhythm problems that come and go.
• 05 · Patient guideCoronary AngiographyAn X-ray test that shows exactly where and how severely the heart's arteries are narrowed or blocked.
• 06 · Patient guideCoronary Angioplasty & Stenting (PTCA)A minimally invasive procedure that opens a narrowed heart artery with a balloon and keeps it open with a stent.
• 07 · Patient guidePreventive Heart Check-upA structured check for people without symptoms, to find heart risks early — when they are easiest to treat.
• More from our teamExplore all treatmentsNot sure which test you need? See every service we offer, or speak to a cardiologist who can guide you.View treatments→