Fact Sheets
Border Physicians Group offers a wide range of specialist services. We understand it is often an anxious time to be referred for a test or procedure you know little about.
We suggest you refer to the information we have provided to continue to enhance and find out more about your illness or prescribed procedure, which we are certain will satisfy questions you may have.
24 Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor
The 24 hour blood pressure monitor is designed to record the patient's blood pressure every 20 minutes throughout the day and hourly during the night, over a 24 hour period. A simple procedure where the patient is fitted with a blood pressure cuff to their upper arm. The monitor itself is carried in a pouch and is strapped to the patient's belt. On return to the surgery after the 24 hour recording the blood pressure readings are printed for assessment by a consultant.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. These signals can be measured and recorded by attaching electrodes to the skin and connecting them to an electrocardiograph. By placing the electrodes in different places on the chest and extremities, the heart can be "seen" from different angles. The resulting output is an electrocardiogram (ECG).
24 Hour Ambulatory Holter Monitor
The 24 hour Holter monitor is designed to record the patient's heart rate over a 24 hour period. A procedure where the patient has five electrodes secured to the chest that detect the electrical activity of the heart (simplified ECG). These signals are recorded on to a monitor that is carried in a pouch and strapped to the patient's belt. On return to the surgery, after a 24 hour recording, the results are printed for assessment by a Cardiologist.
Exercise Stress Test
The exercise stress test combines the electrical activity of the heart (or ECG) with an exercise (usually treadmill) to evaluate the patient's heart condition. The ECG is carefully monitored before, during, and post exercise to assess cardiovascular fitness and ensure complete recovery by the patient. The patient is encouraged to exercise for as long as possible to maximise the stress on their heart. Comparing ECG changes with patient symptoms may result in the diagnosis of underlying heart disease.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, and is usually referred to as an "echo". The echo shows the size of the chambers, thickness of the walls and the mechanical activity of the heart. This includes the detection of wall motion (i.e "pumping action"), valve structure, and direction and velocity of blood flow.
No prior preparation is needed. The patient is required to lie on their left hand side for approximately 30 minutes, while images are taken and recorded. These are later analysed. After viewing, a report is then generated by a specialist.