Tests we may perform in the Electrophysiology Service

ECG (electrocardiogram) — An ECG records the electrical signal as it is conducted throughout the heart. It is a simple test performed by placing sticky electrodes on a child’s chest, legs and wrists. An ECG is entirely safe, takes a few minutes and causes no pain, although a child may be anxious about the stickers and connecting wires.

ECHO (echocardiogram) - An Echo is an ultrasound scan of the heart. A picture of the heart is produced from which an accurate assessment of the size and function of the heart can be made. The scan takes from 30 to 40 minutes. As before this test is not painful, though children sometimes find the jelly on the probe a bit uncomfortable. Children are able to watch their favourite videos during the scan.

Holters— A 24-hour ECG recording (or Holter) uses a small box similar in size to a portable stereo, from which three leads are attached by sticky pads to your child’s chest. This is an ECG monitor that continuously records the heartbeat over 24 to 48 hours. Children wear the monitor under their clothes and can continue with their normal daily life including sport and exercise. You and your child will be asked to document your child’s activities during the 24 to 48 hour period to match with the recording when the box is analysed. When the test is finished, you will be required to return the monitor to GOSH so that the results can be analysed.

Event Monitors—An event monitor is a longer term ECG monitor which is applied for up to two weeks. This allows the wearer to capture specific symptoms they experience and have it linked to an ECG recording. There are a number of different devices available and the most appropriate one will be chosen for the type of symptoms being investigated.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) — An MRI scan uses a magnetic field rather than x-rays to take pictures of your child’s body. The MRI scanner is a hollow machine with a tube running horizontally through its middle. Your child will lie on a bed that slides into the tube. An MRI scan usually lasts between 20 minutes and an hour. Please watch our short video film about having an MRI.

Cardia Computed Tomograhy (CT) Scan—A CT scan using x-rays to take a picture of the patient’s body. The machine is a hollow tube, like the MRI machine. Your child will like on a bed that slides into the tube. Sometimes when we do a CT scan we give an injection of a ‘dye’ or ’contrast’ so that the pictures become clearer The scan is usually quicker than an MRI scan, between five to 10 minutes.

Exercise Test— An exercise test is a specially modified test that assesses the rhythm and function of the heart at a faster rate, while the child is on an exercise bicycle or a treadmill. Blood pressure and breathing are also monitored during the test. This test is usually only performed on children over the age of eight years due to their size. Exercise testing also provides us with an objective measurement of improvement, stability or worsening of heart function over time. The test takes approximately 45 minutes and allows symptoms not obvious at rest to become apparent when the heart is working harder. We recommend children to wear loose comfortable clothing for the test.

Tilt Test— A tilt test helps to understand fainting spells and involves lying on a table which is then tilted into various positions.