Ischaemia

An angiography (or cardiac catheterisation) is a test that can detect blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.

A CT scan is used to produce internal cross-sectional images of the body. The images aid the detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment planning.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound procedure to examine your heart and its function including the level of blood flow.

An ECG (Electrocardiogram) measures the electrical activity of the heart and gives important information about the rate and regularity of beats, the size and position of the chambers and any damage to the heart.

If a normal ECG does not reveal any problems your consultant may recommend measuring your heart activity over 24 hours, 48 hours or 7 days using an event monitor.

Sometimes plaque begins to build up on the walls of the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the head and neck.

If conservative methods to treat your angina are not successful your consultant may recommend coronary artery bypass graft.

Interventional cardiology includes procedures performed on the heart using catheterisation (tiny, flexible tubes).

Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery that uses radiological image guidance (X-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI) to aid treatment.