Cardiology and Respiratory Services

The TSB Bank Cardiology Suite was commissioned in October 2001 and is located on the ground floor near the hospital's main entrance

The Cardiology Service provides the following diagnostics:

• Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE)
  
• Transoesophagal Echocardiograms (TOE)
  
• Exercise Tolerance Tests (ETT) Holter Monitoring
  
• Event Recorder Monitoring
  
• Myocardial Perfusion Scans
  
• Tilt Table Testing
  
• Treadmill Tests
  
• Nuclear Cardiology
  
• Holter Monitoring
  
• Ambulatory BP Monitoring
  
• Coronary Angiography

The cardiologist travels to Waikato on occasions to perform some Coronary Angiography and present cases.

Cardiology Diagnostics Cardioversion

Cardioversion can restore an abnormal heart rhythm and is a frequently recommended procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation. It is carried out under a brief general anaesthetic. A small electric shock is applied to the chest, which normalises the heart rhythm in most patients. Advantages are improved quality of life for the patient, fewer acute admissions for patients when compromised by their condition or to prevent a complication like a stroke.

Coronary Angiogram

This is when a special dye is injected into the arteries around the heart under a local anaesthetic and X-Rays are taken. The dye shows up on the X-Rays revealing the arteries and the presence of any narrowing or blockages. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of your treatment options and answer any questions you or your family may have.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

This is an ultrasound scan of the heart A Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) A small transducer is used to rub water jelly on the patient's chest and transmit sound waves into the patient.

A Transoesphageal Echocardiograrn (TOE)

The patient is sedated and the transducer is inserted into the oesophagus, this transmits the sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the walls of the heart and return to the machine, forming pictures of the heart. An Echo gives useful information to the doctor about the heart's pumping function and size. It can also locate holes in the heart, any leaks or blockages of the valves, and find blood clots or the causes of strokes. The test is painless, requires no preparation and will take between 45 and 60 minutes.

Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT)

An Exercise Tolerance Test shows cardiovascular abnormalities not present at rest and determines adequacy of cardiac function with exercise. Holter Monitoring To obtain a 24-hour record of a patient's heartbeat and to determine if there are any cardiac arrhythmias present.

Event Recorder Monitoring

To record any heart arrhythmias that may be felt by the patient while being worn over several days.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan

This is to assess the supply of blood to the heart and to determine whether there is a difference under rest and stress. These scans are based on physical stress either on a treadmill (Stress Perfusion Scan) or, if the patient is unable to use the treadmill, chemicals are infused to stress the heart (Chemical Perfusion Scan). The patient must be monitored while receiving the infusion. The scanning is carried out in the Nuclear Medicine Department.

Pacemaker Monitoring

To check function of the Pacemaker implant.

Tilt Table Testing

This is a diagnostic test for syncope (faint). The patient is gradually tilted from a lying down position to an upright position, initially with no medication then with an isoprenaline infusion which requires close monitoring. This diagnostic procedure can take up to two hours plus some recovery time.

Cardiac Educators

The cardiology educators specialise in staff and patient education and health promotion. We visit cardiac patients, and their whanau, in the hospital and at home, and undertake clinics and telephone follow-up. Self care and a healthy life style is encouraged through education & support. We co-ordinate Cardiac Rehabilitation Group sessions and work in liaison with the local Heart Support Group.

Contact us:

Cardiac Educator for North Taranaki covers from Opunake, Stratford, New Plymouth to Waitara.
Phone 06 753 6139

Cardiac Educator for South Taranaki covers Hawera to Patea to Eltham.
Phone 06 278 7109

ECG Department

Stress ECG's, Holter Monitoring and Pace Maker checks, are performed in this Department adjacent to the physician offices.

The Echocardiography service has been part of the ECG department since 1999, following the purchase of an Echo machine. The ECG team is made up of a Registered Nurse, Technician and a Clerical staff member. Patients seen are in excess of 1,500 each year.

Contact us:

Phone 06 753 7743 or free call 0508 249 969

Last updated: Monday, October 11, 2010