This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity of the heart. A coronary angiogram can show blocked or narrowed blood vessels in the heart.Įlectrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). In rare cases, they can be an early sign of more serious conditions that have not fully developed, which is why you will be followed up and you should make any medical teams know in the future that you have had these investigations.In a coronary angiogram, a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin, arm or neck and threaded through the blood vessels to the heart. Sometimes the percentage of ventricular ectopics naturally decreases and no further monitoring is required. Ablation works by using a targeted beam of energy to destroy the tissues causing the abnormal signals.Ĭonditions can progress and it is therefore important to keep you under monitoring. The doctor will use either radio frequency ablation (heating therapy) or cryoablation (freezing therapy) on the affected area, which should stop the abnormal signals. Sometimes when you start these medication you may feel dizzy and tired but this should settle over time.Ī procedure called an electrophysiology study and ablation may be suggested. Medication, usually a beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker, help to control the area sending out the extra heart beats and improve symptoms. When the test is finished, you will be required to return the monitor to GOSH so that the results can be analysed.īlood tests are taken to look for electrolyte changes and infection markers. You will be asked to document your activities during the 24 to 48 hour period to match with the recording when the box is analysed. Children wear the monitor under their clothes and can continue with their normal daily life including sport and exercise. This is an ECG monitor that continuously records the heartbeat over 24 to 48 hours. An MRI scan usually lasts between 20 minutes and an hour.Ī 24-hour ECG recording (or Holter) uses a small box similar in size to a mobile phone, from which three leads are attached by sticky pads to your child’s chest. Your child will lie on a bed that slides into the tube. The MRI scanner is a hollow machine with a tube running horizontally through its middle. We recommend children to wear loose comfortable clothing for the test.Īn MRI scan uses a magnetic field rather than x-rays to take pictures of your child’s body. The test takes approximately 45 minutes and allows symptoms not obvious at rest to become apparent when the heart is working harder. This test is usually only performed on children over the age of eight years due to their size.Įxercise testing also provides us with an objective measurement of improvement, stability or worsening of heart function over time. Blood pressure and breathing are also monitored during the test. Children can watch their favourite videos during the scan.Īn exercise test is a specially modified test that assesses the rhythm and function of the heart at a faster rate, while the child is on an exercise bicycle or a treadmill. As before this test is not painful, but children sometimes find the jelly on the probe a bit uncomfortable. A picture of the heart is produced from which an accurate assessment of the size and function of the heart can be made. An ECG is entirely safe, takes a few minutes and causes no pain, although the child may be anxious about the stickers and connecting wires.Īn Echo is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It is a simple test performed by placing sticky electrodes on the child’s chest, legs and wrists. Our routine screening includes:Īn ECG records the electrical signal as it is conducted throughout the heart. Normal sinus rhythm with ventricular ectopicsĪ variety of tests will be performed to check how your hearts electrical system is working as well as cardiac function.Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information for children, young people and familiesĬoming to GOSH for a day or inpatient admissionĬoming to GOSH for an outpatient appointment
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