Precision diagnostic testing including echo and stress echo Melbourne

Dear Patients and Referrers,

COVID-19 has significantly impacted the way which CVS/CRS operates, both in WA and VIC. We strictly follow all local and national health guidelines and our services and internal procedures have been reviewed to minimise virus transmission risk to both our patients and our staff.

We are committed to continuing to provide high quality patient care and delivering an excellent patient experience during this time, therefore we want to assure all of our patients of a safe environment and encourage our patients to continue to attend their required appointments. It is important that you do not delay your cardiac, respiratory or sleep testing during this time.

We encourage our patients and referrers to email us at adminteam@cvs.net.au to ensure an efficiently and timely handling of your request, and ask that our patients follow relevant COVID-Safe guidelines when attending our clinics.

CVS and CRS are doing everything we can to continue to deliver, when you need us most. Our thoughts are with you as we work through this together.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Philip Currie
CEO, Cardiologist

Procedures and Patient Preparation

Procedure	Duration	Requirements
Electrocardiogram (12 lead ECG) An electrocardiogram is a simple procedure that involves the application of electrodes (adhesive "dots") to your chest and measures the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts.	10-15 minutes	No specific preparation required.
Exercise Stress Test This procedure involves the application of electrodes similar to a standard 12-lead ECG, with the added component of exercising on a treadmill. This test is used as a screening tool for many heart conditions, in particular coronary artery disease. The test requires you to walk on a treadmill for 6-10 minutes whilst being monitored by ECG and intermittent blood pressure recordings.	30 minutes	Wear loose comfortable clothes (preferably top and bottom rather than a dress) and shoes appropriate for exercise. Fast for 3 hours prior - no food or drink unless otherwise advised. (Diabetics 2 hours).
Holter Monitor (24 hour monitor) This procedure involves the application of three ECG electrodes on your chest, connected to a small monitor which will monitor and capture every single heart beat for 24 hours. A patient diary is issued for you to document daily activities and a button can be pressed on the monitor to record any symptoms you may have.	2 appointments; fitting time - 30 minutes. Removal – 10 minutes. Monitor is worn for 24 hours in total.	The monitor cannot get wet. No showering or bathing whilst the monitor is connected – we advise showering before your fitting appointment. No other specific preparation required.
Event Monitor (7 day monitor) This procedure involves the application of three ECG electrodes on your chest, connected to a small monitor which will monitor and capture every single heart beat for 7 days. A patient diary is issued for you to document daily activities and a button can be pressed on the monitor to record any symptoms you may have.	2 appointments; fitting time - 30 minutes. Removal – 10 minutes. Monitor is worn for 7 days in total.	The monitor cannot get wet. The monitor can be removed for showering/bathing and re-fitted (additional electrodes and skin preparation material provided).
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM) This procedure involves the fitting of a blood pressure cuff to your non-dominant arm, which is connected to a small monitor. The monitor inflates automatically at scheduled intervals to accurately measure your blood pressure over a 24 hour period. A patient diary is issued to document your daily activities.	2 appointments; fitting time - 30 minutes. Removal – 10 minutes. Monitor is worn for 24 hours in total.	The monitor cannot get wet. No showering or bathing whilst the monitor is connected – we advise showering before your fitting appointment. Wear a loose, comfortable top for easy monitor fitting and comfort.
Echocardiogram (2D/Doppler Echo) This procedure is an ultrasound of your heart; images are taken using sound waves to view the structure and function of your heart.	45-60 minutes	There are no special preparation requirements for an Echocardiogram (Echo).
Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram This procedure combines an exercise stress test and an echo to further enhance the diagnostic accuracy of evaluating the effects of physical activity on your heart. Ultrasound images are taken prior and post exercise on a treadmill to view heart function. Your ECG and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test.	45 minutes	Wear loose comfortable clothes (preferably top and bottom rather than a dress) and shoes appropriate for exercise. Fast for 3 hours prior - no food or drink unless otherwise advised. (Diabetics 2 hours).
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram If you are unable to walk on a treadmill to the required levels, this procedure uses a medication to mimic the effect of exercise on your heart. The medication is similar to adrenaline and will be infused via a cannula in the back of your hand/arm (requiring a needle). The medication is very short acting and the side effects are rare and quite mild. Your ECG and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test.	60 minutes	Fast for 3 hours prior (diabetics 2 hours) – no food or drink unless otherwise advised. It is advised that you have someone drive you home after the test; if not possible, you may be required to wait for further observation after the test.

Cardiac Services

Procedures and Patient Preparation

Electrocardiogram (12 lead ECG)

Exercise Stress Test

Holter Monitor (24 hour monitor)

Event Monitor (7 day monitor)

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM)

Echocardiogram (2D/Doppler Echo)

Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

Monitor Frequently Asked Questions

Stress Testing Frequently Asked Questions

Ultrasound Frequently Asked Questions