What is involved in your Cardiac Screening?

There are 2 parts to the screening;

1.    12 Lead (Resting) Electrocardiogram (ECG) – carried out by a Nurse/Cardiac Physiologist.
2.    Physical Examination – carried out by a Medical Doctor.

Medics:  The medics (doctors/nurses/physiologists) on the day are all qualified, garda vetted professionals and may be male or female. You may decline any part of the examination if you feel uncomfortable. Please inform the clinic manager or one of our medical staff.  This element of your screening will then not be included in your results.

1)    ECG - Typically lasts 7-8 Minutes

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

• An ECG tracing involves placing sticky electrodes on the chest, arms and legs to take the readings of the electrical activity of the heart. These are connected by wires to an ECG recording machine. It is advisable that moisturiser/body lotion/fake tan is not applied to these areas the morning of the test.
• There is no physical exertion in this screening. You will be in a resting position on a bed for this examination.
• CLOTHING: You will be required to loosen clothing to allow for the placement of the electrodes by the Nurse/Cardiac Physiologist. Loose clothing is recommended for comfort and to enable quick attachment of the electrodes for the ECG. 
• Please do not wear sports bras as they interfere with lead placement and you may be asked to remove or adjust.
• In some circumstances, to ensure a good quality ECG, it may be necessary to request the removal of the bra or undergarments (particularly if a sports bra or underwire bra is worn). Participants will be given the option of using a modesty gown in this event.
• It is advised that physical activity is not partaken at least 1 hour before your screening.

2)    Physical Examination – Typically lasts 7-8 Minutes 

• Cardiac physical examination by our Medical Doctor including listening to your heart using a stethoscope.
• Review of personal and family history questionnaire.
• Blood pressure measurement.
• BMI measured (taking height & weight).
• Waist circumference measured. Measurement taken from the midpoint between the iliac crest and lowest rib (IE over the belly button).

Please note approximately 6% of participants may be recommended further follow up cardiac investigations based on the results of their screening. Any follow up investigations are the personal responsibility of the individual and or Parent / Guardian and are not part of this screening service.

Minors

• Please ensure any minor reads and understands what to expect from their upcoming clinic. 
• All minors need to be accompanied by an adult to their appointment.

Please Note: This is a Cardiac Screening programme. Participants with established cardiac disease should note that this is a screening program and not an alternative to routine cardiac care. It is not a Management Program.