Information for patients

Links

Wellington Hospital
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Clementine Churchill BMI (Harrow)
Lindo Wing, St Mary's Hospital

Patient testimonials

First, I can’t thank you enough for all your time, interest and care on Thursday.

Secondly, the one stop ‘plumb and sparks’ shop is seriously impressive, staffed by great, caring and efficient people who are fun. In about an hour to do an echo, treadmill test and take 49 blood samples etc. must be close to a W.R....

Seriously, from the patients point of view you are offering full diagnostics almost in the ‘golden hour’ whereas with most other approaches it takes more like a month! The expeditious approach apart from removing patients uncertainty which often weighs heavily means if necessary you are in to treatment almost immediately....

Patients will definitely feel that they and their quality of lfe is being put first.

Mr Y. (2010) Suffolk.

Palpitations

A palpitation simply means the awareness of the heartbeat. At some point in their lives, most people will be aware of their heartbeat- this can be normal for example if you get a fright. Some people often hear the heart beat through their ear when their head is on the pillow. These are not necessarily significant problems. However, if you are aware of an irregular heartbeat, or moreover, you have symptoms associated with this, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness or fainting, it is imperative that your symptoms are investigated urgently. A tachycardia occurs when the measured heart rate is greater than 120 beats/minute. A bradycardia is when the heart rate is less than 60 beats/minute. You may present with tiredness of chest discomfort rather than palpitations if the heart rate is too slow or too fast.

What investigations might we perform?

We will take a detailed history from you and perform an examination. After the examination has been performed, we will order an electrocardiogram (ECG) and then usually, a 24 or 48hr tape analysis. If your symptoms are very infrequent and you and the cardiologist consider them to be significant, then the cardiologist may order the implantation of an implantable loop recorder (Reveal device). A Reveal device is a self contained cardiac recorder, similar in size to a small pacemaker. It is implanted with a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic, just below the collarbone. It can remain in that position for anything up to three years. If you have one of your episodes of collapse, or palpitations, then it will be recorded by the loop device. The next morning you can report to the cardiologist office where the device can be analysed via a radio link to the computer and the exact pattern of the heart rhythm, immediately before and during your episode of collapse can be analysed. This allows the cardiac technician and cardiologist to make a precise diagnosis and plan your treatment appropriately.

What can I do to help myself?

Palpitations are often set off by anxiety and are made worse by stimulants. Reducing caffeine intake and alcohol intake may help whilst the specific diagnosis is made. Drug treatment is best avoided until a firm diagnosis is made.