Screening Explained and FAQ

Why should I have my heart screened?

A simple cardiac screening can help detect problems before they become major medical issues.

compete in high impact sports which increase your heart rate for long periods of time

have a family history indicating a heart disease risk

experience dizzy or fainting spells

get shortness of breath that does not clear quickly

get chest pain

What is an electrocardiogram?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.

Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. ECG These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they’re unusual.

When an ECG is used

An ECG is often used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the heart.

It can be used to investigate symptoms of a possible heart problem, such as chest pain, palpitations (suddenly noticeable heartbeats), dizziness and shortness of breath.

An ECG can help detect:

Abnormal Heart rhythms (Arrhythmias) – where the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly coronary heart disease – where the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances heart attacks – where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked cardiomyopathy – where the heart walls become thickened or enlarged. However, it does not show whether you have asymptomatic blockages in your heart arteries or predict your risk of a future heart attack. A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart condition or taking medication known to potentially affect the heart.

How an ECG is carried out

The test involves attaching a number of small, sticky sensors called electrodes to your arms, legs and chest. These are connected by wires to an ECG recording machine. You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the test.

What is the difference between an ECG and an Echocardiogram?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test to measure the electrical activity and rhythm of your heart. Small electrodes are placed on your chest, arm and legs, and recorded on the ECG machine.

An Echocardiogram (ECHO) is a more advanced test, using ultrasound to produce a visual image and allow a more in-depth analysis of your heart function (provided at Adult sessions Only).

An Echo Explained (Adult Screening)

An ECHO (Echocardiogram) uses high-frequency sound waves to take pictures of your heart chambers, valves, walls and the blood vessels (aorta, arteries, veins) attached to your heart.

It can help diagnose and monitor certain heart conditions by checking the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, analysing how blood flows through them and assessing the pumping chambers of the heart.

The procedure looks at the size and structure of the heart and allows the doctor to assess how well your heart is pumping blood. The test is safe, simple and takes approximately 15-30 minutes to perform.

When an Echo is used

An ECG is good for identifying electrical problems in the heart, whereas an echocardiogram provides pictures of the heart’s structure.

If your ECG result suggests that there might be a problem then, if appropriate, you will also have an echocardiogram scan.

The echocardiogram can help the doctor to make a diagnosis or to confirm that your heart is fine.

How an Echo carried out

An echocardiogram is carried out by a doctor or technician who has been specially trained to do this.

The doctor/technician will place some clear gel on your chest and then move a small scanning device around your chest (in contact with the gel).

As it moves across the chest the scanner uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your heart, which will be displayed on a monitor. These pictures are constantly updated, so the scan can show the movement of your heart too.

What an Echo can show

An echocardiogram test will be undertaken during the screening process if there are any potential abnormalities identified on the ECG result. An echocardiogram can help your doctor check the following:

The overall size and shape of the heart

The size, thickness and movement of the heart walls

How the heart moves during each heartbeat

The heart’s pumping strength

If the heart valves are working correctly

If blood is ‘leaking’ through the heart valves

If the heart valves are too narrow

If there are problems with the outer lining of the heart

If there are problems with the large blood vessels that enter and leave the heart

If there are blood clots in the chambers of the heart

If there are abnormal holes between the chambers of the heart

After your ECG & ECHO (Adult Screening ONLY)

A qualified Cardiologist will read your ECG & ECHO report and determine if any abnormalities are present.

If not – happily the screening process will be over for you.

If so – your NHS GP will be informed by letter for referral into the NHS.

Are there any risks or side effects?

ECG & ECHO are quick, safe and painless tests. No electricity is put into your body while it’s carried out, and both tests are non-invasive.

With the ECG there may be some slight discomfort when the electrodes are removed from your skin – similar to removing a sticking plaster – and some people may develop a mild rash where the electrodes were attached.

More Frequently Asked Questions

What age is screening open to?

Our heart screening initiative is open to everyone aged 8 and upwards, usually screened over separate days, with one session open to 8-17-year-olds, and a session open to 18-year-olds and upwards. The screening sessions are suitable for persons who have not previously had an electrocardiogram and are otherwise fit and healthy.

How often should I have an ECG?

If you have had a normal ECG reading and no further input was sought we recommend having one every 5 years unless you are experiencing new symptoms. If you have had an abnormal ECG reading, we would advise yearly tests. If you required a Gp referral and/ or further tests- your Gp will advise you on your ongoing treatment.

A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart condition or taking medication known to potentially affect the heart.

What should I wear? Can I leave my bra on?

Men usually remove their shirts, your chest may need to be shaved to attach the electrodes. Women generally can wear a bra and a loose top. You may be asked to remove your bra if the doctor cannot position the electrodes properly with this one.

Can I drink caffeine or alcohol before an ECG?

We advise you to avoid drinking caffeinated drinks for at least two hours before the test because this can affect your heart’s rhythm. Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours prior to the test.

Can I have an ECG if I am pregnant?

Yes the test is safe in pregnancy and doesn’t affect the baby.

Feedback received from our Private Heart Screening Sessions:

‘Lovely staff & cardiologist, it’s a wonderful organisation. Both my children have been screened with you a few years ago it is so important & I hope you will have more screenings in the future – Sarah 07/03/2022

‘I feel it necessary to inform the team at Calon of my wonderful experience from the offset. The communication and pleasant nature of all those involved has been nothing short of amazing.
I will now outline what initially brought me to Calon Hearts. Up until 2015, I had a successful career in law enforcement, however, injuries on duty caused me to retire. After this, I completed my LLB Hons and it was at this time, things started to go drastically wrong in my life. Due to personal reasons both physically and mentally I began abusing narcotics and this resulted in an admission to the local hospital for psychological reasons. Fortunately, after dealing with my personal problems which had resulted from childhood issues and physical trauma, I managed to resolve my mental issues and began to reintegrate into society, and I’m currently completing my legal defence qualifications. However, a massive issue had gone undetected with my heart. This issue had obviously been exacerbated by my use of narcotics and my overuse of prescription ADHD medication. I had enlarged my left ventricle and had an ejection fraction of 29%. At this time I was extremely depressed and had previously attempted suicide in 2018. However, on contacting Calon Hearts all I’ve ever received is compassion and assistance rather than judgement and assumptions, which is what I’ve received from some consultants (both private and NHS). All I have is praise and admiration for Calon Hearts, from Hayley in the office, Nikki on reception in IGP, Beth the nurse, Dan who completed my echocardiogram and Dr Constantin. These individuals truly are humanitarians and made me feel that despite the ‘stupid’ decisions I had made, better days are ahead. I am pleased to say that during my consultation the Dr informed me that my ejection fraction had increased to 49% and at this stage, I was literally overcome with emotion. I cannot thank the team at Calon enough, their non-judgmental, sincere approach really made an enormous difference to my state of mind and gave me an overwhelming sense that I could improve my life and live a successful life, rather than the doom and gloom I’d been previously ‘fed’ by other medical personnel. Calon you’ve really made such a positive impact on my life, many thanks, I’ll forever be indebted. Best Wishes and Kindest Regards to all the team.’ – Rhodri 08/03/2022

Please feel free to share your story with us if Calon Hearts Screenng has helped you in any way. Email us at info@calonhearts.org.