For Patients

• What is a consultation? A consultation is a one-on-one meeting between you and your doctor to discuss medical concerns, assess symptoms, and develop a personalised healthcare plan. It serves as an opportunity for you to discuss your health history, ask questions, and receive expert guidance on your condition.

• What happens during a consultation? Upon your arrival to the clinic you will typically receive an ECG and have your blood pressure, oxygen saturation, height, and weight measured. During the consultation, your doctor will review your medical history, inquire about your current symptoms, and may conduct a physical examination. They will discuss potential diagnoses, treatment options, and address any questions or concerns you may have. The goal is to establish a collaborative understanding of your health, enabling the development of an effective and tailored plan.

• How do I prepare for a consultation? There is no special preparation for a consultation. Be ready to provide information about your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any concerns you wish to address. It may be helpful to have a list of your current medications and medical records, especially if you've received treatment in a different region or overseas. 

• How long does a consultation take? We typically allocate an hour for an initial consultation, and 30 minutes for any subsequent follow-ups. The actual duration can vary depending on the complexity of the medical issues being discussed.

•  What is an ECG? An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart – its rate and rhythm. A 12 lead ECG can be used to identify arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathies. You may be referred for a standalone ECG, or you may have an ECG during other cardiac tests such as echocardiogram or exercise testing.

• What happens during an ECG? You will be asked to undress to the waist and lie down on your back. The technician will attach ECG leads to your body using adhesive electrodes on your arms, legs, and chest. The ECG machine can then capture a recording/tracing of your heart’s electrical activity.

• How do I prepare for an ECG? There is no special preparation for an ECG. You can eat and drink as normal prior to your test, and unless specifically requested please continue taking all of your regular medications. A two-piece outfit is preferred (e.g., shirt and pants or skirt), as you will be asked to remove your shirt to attach the chest electrodes. You may be asked to remove tights/stockings to attach the leg electrodes. It is also best to avoid moisturising prior the test as this can prevent the electrodes from sticking. 

• How long does an ECG take? An ECG takes about 5 minutes, however please allow 15 minutes in case extra recordings or tests are required.

• What is an echocardiogram? A transthoracic echocardiogram is the most common type of echocardiogram (“echo”). An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to visualise the heart and assess its structure and function. You may be referred for an echocardiogram to: 
  • Assess the structure and function of the heart muscle and valves
  • Identify the cause of certain cardiac symptoms such as chest pain, swelling (oedema), and shortness of breath
  • Diagnose or follow up on conditions such as heart failure, valve diseases, and cardiomyopathies

• What happens during an echocardiogram? You will be asked to undress to the waist and lie down on your side. The room is darkened to better allow the cardiac sonographer (ultrasound technician) to see the images. The sonographer applies conductive gel and moves a small probe around your chest. You may be asked to briefly hold your breath or move slightly to improve imaging. You won’t feel anything while the images are being taken apart from the pressure of the probe on your chest. 

• How do I prepare for an echocardiogram? There is no special preparation for an echocardiogram. You can eat and drink as normal prior to your test, and unless specifically requested please continue taking all of your regular medications. A two-piece outfit is preferred (e.g., shirt and pants or skirt), as you will be asked to undress to the waist. A gown or sheet will be available for your comfort. 

• How long does an echocardiogram take? An echocardiogram takes 30-45 minutes, however please allow up to an hour in case extra recordings or tests are required.

• What is a Holter Monitor? A Holter Monitor is a small wearable device used to continuously record your electrocardiogram (ECG) - a recurring of your heart rate and rhythm. Most Holters are worn for a 24- or 48-hour period as many heart rhythm abnormalities are intermittent, and more easily identified over a time period longer than a resting ECG. You may be referred for a Holter Monitor to:
  • Screen/assess for abnormal heart rhythms
  • Identify the cause of certain cardiac symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, or dizziness
  • Assess the effects of some heart medications
  • Monitor for changes in your condition over time

• What happens during a Holter Monitor? A technician will attach an adhesive pad to your chest with a small recording unit connected to it. You can then continue with your normal daily activities, including exercise and showers. You will be asked to keep a diary of any symptoms experienced while wearing the monitor. Once the monitoring period has concluded you can remove the patch and return your monitor to the office - either in person or mail it back in a prepaid envelope provided by the clinic. The recording obtained by the monitor will be analysed and reported by a technician or Cardiologist. This process can take from a few days up to several weeks.

• How do I prepare for a Holter? There is no special preparation for a patch Holter Monitor. You can eat and drink as normal prior to your test, and unless specifically requested please continue taking all of your regular medications. The technician may need to shave your chest prior to attaching the patch. Please ensure that you are available to return the equipment at the end of the monitoring period. 

• How long does a Holter Monitor take? While a Holter Monitor is worn for 24- or 48-hours, the appointment to attach the monitor will only take about 5 minutes.  

• What is an ETT? An exercise tolerance test (ETT) is sometimes called a stress test, treadmill test, or exercise ECG. This test involves the measurement your ECG during exercise to assess whether your heart muscle is receiving an adequate blood supply, and whether symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or dizziness can be reproduced. This information can be used to:
  • Diagnose the cause of exercise related symptoms
  • Identify coronary artery disease and whether it's causing impaired blood flow to the heart
  • Monitor for heart rhythm abnormalities or how they change during exercise

• What happens during an ETT? You will be required to undress to the waist (a gown can be provided). A technician will then attach ECG leads and a blood pressure monitor to your chest and arm. The test will begin with a walk, and the intensity will progressively increase with adjustments in both speed and incline at each stage. The test concludes either when the doctor deems sufficient information has been gathered or upon your request. You will then be monitored for several minutes to ensure that your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal levels. If you experience any symptoms, such as chest pain, palpitations, or dizziness at any point during the test, it is important to inform the attending doctor or technician immediately.

• How do I prepare for an ETT? Please bring or wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking/jogging to the test. Avoid exercise, heavy meals, caffeine, and smoking/vaping for a few hours beforehand. Your doctor may also request that you withhold certain medications for 24h prior to test. The technician may need to shave your chest prior to attaching the ECG leads. 

• How long does an ETT take? While the exercise may only take 5 to 10 minutes, please allow up to an hour to account for set up, recovery, and time to discuss the results if necessary. 

• What is a spirometry test? Spirometry is a diagnostic test that evaluates lung capacities, airflow dynamics, and can identify potential respiratory issues. The test provides insights into the health and functionality of your respiratory system by capturing data over the course of specific forced breathing manoeuvres. This information aids in the diagnosis of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• What happens during a spirometry test? The test is performed using a spirometer - a device which measures the volume and speed of air flowing into and out of your lungs. You will be seated, and a technician will instruct you on the required breathing manoeuvres during which you'll be asked to take as deep a breath as possible and exhale forcefully into the spirometer, aiming to empty your lungs as quickly as possible. This process is repeated multiple times to ensure that the results are an accurate representation of your lung function. 

• How do I prepare for a spirometry test? Avoid exercise, heavy meals, caffeine, and smoking/vaping for a few hours prior to the test. Your doctor may also request that you withhold certain medications

• How long does a spirometry test take? A spirometry test typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. In some instances, the technician will be asked to administer an inhaler and repeat the test after it has taken effect, which can extend the duration to as long as 45 minutes. 

• What is a FLF? A full lung function (FLF) test, also known as a pulmonary function test (PFT), refers to a variety of individual diagnostic tests which assess different aspects of your respiratory function. It goes beyond standard spirometry measurements, providing a detailed analysis total lung volume, airflow, and gas exchange. This test is used in the diagnosis of a range of respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and restrictive lung diseases.

• What happens during a FLF? You will be seated inside a clear booth and asked to perform several series of breathing manoeuvres. Most of these will utilise the spirometer, and some may require the booth (plethysmograph) to be closed. The most common tests we perform during a LFT are spirometry, bronchodilator reversibility (inhaler response), volume plethysmography (lung volumes), DLCO (diffusion testing), and MIPS/MEPS (mouth pressures). 

• How do I prepare for a FLF? Avoid exercise, heavy meals, caffeine, and smoking/vaping for a few hours prior to the test. Your doctor may also request that you withhold certain medications.

• How long does a FLF take? Depending on which specific tests are performed, a FLF can take between 45 and 75 minutes. Additional time may also be required if multiple attempts are unsuccessful or if you need a longer recovery time between attempts. 

NOTE: We perform CTCA in conjunction with TRG imaging Rotorua. This test must be ordered separately and is conducted in their lab.

• What is a CTCA? A CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is a non-invasive imaging procedure employing computed tomography (CT) technology to visualise the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with blood. It serves to detect blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities that could impede blood flow to the heart, thus playing an important role in diagnosing and managing coronary artery disease (CAD).

• What happens during a CTCA? You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown, and have a small tube (cannula) inserted into a vein for contrast dye injection. You'll lie on a CT scanning bed that slides under the machine as it captures cross-sectional images of the heart and blood vessels. You'll be asked to hold your breath briefly and remain still during image capture. After the procedure, you'll move to a recovery area for observation while healthcare professionals monitor your condition. The images are then reconstructed to form a 3D map of coronary arteries for assessment of blockages or abnormalities.

• How do I prepare for a CTCA? Please refrain from eating anything for approximately four hours before the test (drinking water is OK). Don't drink caffeinated beverages 12 hours before the test as they can increase your heart rate, making it difficult to obtain clear images. Depending on your condition, a beta blocker may even be administered to slow your heart rate for clearer images.

• How long does a CTCA take? A CTCA can take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the specific protocol and the complexity of the images needed. We advise that you enquire about the expected duration when scheduling the appointment to allocate appropriate time for the procedure.