Cardiac Tests

Cardiac Testing in Waterford

High-quality cardiac investigation with consultant review.

The Heart Clinic provides a comprehensive range of non-invasive cardiac tests at the Williamstown Centre in Waterford.

All tests are performed in-house by accredited cardiac physiologists and results are reviewed by Dr Patrick Owens, Consultant Cardiologist.

Reports are normally issued to the referring GP within 48 hours, with direct consultation available where urgent findings are identified.

Tests Available

  • Electrocardiogram – ECG
  • Echocardiogram – Echo
  • Holter / Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring
  • 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring – ABPM
  • Exercise Treadmill Testing – ETT

When More Advanced Imaging Is Needed

First-line investigations do not always provide the complete clinical picture.

Where appropriate, The Heart Clinic can coordinate access to:

  • CT coronary angiography – Mater Private Cork
  • CT coronary angiography – Beacon Hospital, Dublin
  • Cardiac CT / CT coronary angiography – Blackrock Clinic, Dublin
  • Specialist cardiac MRI – Blackrock Clinic, Dublin

This allows patients to progress to the level of diagnostic investigation required for their individual condition.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Electrocardiogram – ECG 

An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and provides information about heart rate and rhythm. 

It is quick, painless and usually takes only a few minutes. 

An ECG may be recommended for symptoms including palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness or breathlessness, or as part of a wider cardiac assessment. 

At The Heart Clinic, ECG results can be considered alongside other investigations and the patient’s clinical history within a consultant-led cardiology service. 

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Echocardiogram (Echo)

Echocardiogram – Echo

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create moving images of the heart.

It allows assessment of:

  • Heart structure
  • Heart pumping function
  • Heart valves
  • Effects of high blood pressure
  • Previous damage to the heart

The test is non-invasive and does not use radiation.

Echocardiography at The Heart Clinic forms part of a wider consultant-led cardiac service, allowing findings to be considered alongside symptoms, history and other investigations

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Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring

Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring

Some abnormal heart rhythms occur intermittently and may not be captured during a standard ECG.

Holter and longer-term rhythm monitoring record the heart while a patient continues with their normal daily activities.

Monitoring can be particularly useful when investigating:

  • Palpitations
  • Racing or irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Unexplained fainting or blackouts
  • Intermittent symptoms

The recording is analysed and reviewed within The Heart Clinic’s specialist cardiology service, with the report returned to the referring GP.

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Blood Pressure Monitoring

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring – ABPM

24-hour blood pressure monitoring records blood pressure at intervals throughout the day and night.

It provides a more complete picture than a single clinic measurement and may be useful where:

  • High blood pressure is suspected
  • Clinic readings vary
  • ‘White coat’ hypertension is suspected
  • Treatment effectiveness needs to be assessed
  • Hypertension is difficult to control

Where appropriate, patients can also access specialist assessment for possible secondary causes of hypertension.

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Exercise Stress Test

Exercise Treadmill Testing

An exercise treadmill test monitors how the heart responds to increasing levels of physical activity.

During the test:

  • ECG is continuously monitored
  • Heart rate is recorded
  • Blood pressure is monitored
  • Exercise intensity gradually increases

Testing usually takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

Exercise testing may form part of the investigation of symptoms or a broader cardiac or pre-exercise assessment.

Results are considered within the wider clinical picture rather than as an isolated investigation.

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Referring a patient

Referring a Patient?

The Heart Clinic provides GPs with access to a connected specialist cardiology pathway in Waterford.

Consultant Assessment | Local Cardiac Testing | Advanced Cardiac Imaging | Coronary Intervention | Specialist Surgical Referral | Follow-up

HealthLink referrals accepted.

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Patient talking to doctor at the heart clinic

Concerned About Your Heart?

The Heart Clinic operates by medical referral.

If you have symptoms or concerns about your heart health, speak to your GP, who can refer you for the appropriate specialist assessment or cardiac investigation.

Book an Appointment