Patient Information
Heart conditions, procedures, and medications — explained clearly
Heart Conditions
Atrial Fibrillation
The most common cardiac arrhythmia, causing an irregular and often rapid heartbeat.
Atrial Flutter
A common heart rhythm abnormality due to an electrical circuit in the atria.
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
A generally benign arrhythmia arising in the ventricles, causing a sensation of skipped or extra heartbeats.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
A common arrhythmia causing sudden episodes of rapid heart rate, typically felt as palpitation with abrupt onset and offset.
Wolff Parkinson White
A syndrome where an extra electrical pathway in the heart causes episodes of rapid heart rate.
Diagnostic Procedures
12 Lead ECG
A quick, painless electrical recording of your heart rhythm.
24 Hour Holter
A wearable device that continuously records your heart's electrical activity for 24 hours.
24hr Blood Pressure Monitor
A 24-hour ambulatory recording of blood pressure taken throughout your normal day and night.
48 Hour Holter
A 48-hour recording of the electrical activity of your heart.
CT Coronary Angiogram
A non-invasive X-ray test to visualise the coronary arteries and assess for blockages.
Event Monitor (7 Day)
A 7-day patch monitor worn continuously to capture intermittent heart rhythm abnormalities.
Exercise Stress Test
A non-invasive test evaluating how well your heart responds to increased physical demand.
Heart Bug (28 Day Monitor)
A 28-day patch monitor for recording the electrical activity of your heart.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring of pacemakers, defibrillators, and loop recorders from home.
Stress Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram performed during exercise or pharmacological stress to assess heart function.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
A non-invasive ultrasound test that produces detailed images of the heart's structure and function.
Interventional Procedures
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation (PVI)
A procedure to treat atrial fibrillation by electrically isolating the pulmonary veins.
AV Node Ablation
A procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation by ablating the AV node and implanting a pacemaker.
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT)
A specialised pacemaker device that improves heart function in patients with heart failure.
Cardioversion (DCR)
An electric shock delivered to the heart to restore normal rhythm, usually for atrial fibrillation or flutter.
Electrophysiology Study for Syncope
A specialised test to investigate the heart's electrical system in patients with unexplained fainting.
Implantable Defibrillator (ICD)
A device implanted in the chest that recognises and treats life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia.
Implantable Loop Recorder
A small subcutaneous device for long-term heart rhythm monitoring in patients with unexplained palpitations or fainting.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)
A minimally invasive procedure to seal the left atrial appendage and reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation.
Myocardial Biopsy
A procedure to take a small tissue sample from the heart for analysis.
Pacemaker
A small implanted device that sends electrical impulses to maintain a steady heartbeat.
SVT Ablation
An electrophysiology study and catheter ablation procedure for supraventricular tachycardia.
Trans-Oesophageal Echocardiogram
A specialised ultrasound using a probe inserted into the oesophagus for detailed heart images.
VT and PVC Ablation
Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular contractions.
Cardiac Genetic Disease
Brugada Syndrome
An inherited electrical disorder of the heart that may cause fainting or cardiac arrest.
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)
A genetic condition causing dangerous heart rhythms during exercise or emotional stress.
Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest occurring in an apparently healthy heart with no identifiable cause.
Long QT Syndrome
An inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome causing a prolonged QT interval and risk of dangerous arrhythmia.
Medications
Ajmaline
A medication used in hospital to provoke and diagnose Brugada Syndrome via ECG changes.
Amiodarone
The most effective antiarrhythmic medication for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
Flecainide
An antiarrhythmic medication used to treat atrial fibrillation, ventricular ectopic beats, and SVT.
Quinidine
An antiarrhythmic used to treat ventricular tachycardia, idiopathic VF, and Brugada Syndrome.
Sotalol
A beta-blocker with additional antiarrhythmic properties used to treat atrial fibrillation and VT.