ECG
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a simple and useful test which records the rhythm, rate and electrical activity of your heart.
Tests for heart and circulatory conditions
There are many different tests for diagnosing or managing heart conditions. Here we explain some of the more common ones and tell you where to find out more.
Tests for heart conditions
Check your pulse
You can tell if you have an irregular heart beat by checking your pulse.
Coronary angiogram
An angiogram is a type of X-ray which uses a special type of liquid, called contrast dye, to look at your coronary arteries (the tubes which carry blood to your heart).
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Blood tests
Blood tests are a very common way for healthcare professionals to assess your health.
Cardiac MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a way of creating detailed images of your internal organs. Cardiac MRI uses an MRI machine to look specifically at your heart and surrounding blood vessels.
Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray produces an image of your heart, lungs, airways, and ribs.
CT scan
Computerised tomography (CT) scanning can be useful to help diagnose heart problems and how severe they are.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram, also known as an ‘echo’, is a test which uses sound waves to help diagnose and monitor certain heart conditions.
Electrophysiological study
An electrophysiological (EP) study is a test which looks at your heart's electrical activity in more detail compared to an ECG.
Exercise ECG
An exercise ECG aims to see how your heart works when you are doing a physical activity.
Genetic testing
Genetic testing can be used to find out whether you have a specific altered gene or a genetic fault which can lead to an inherited heart condition.
Implantable loop recorders
An implantable loop recorder, or ILR, is a small device that records the electrical activity of your heart.
Myocardial perfusion scan
These scans use a small amount of radioactive substance to show blood flow to the heart muscle.
Tilt test
If you're having dizzy spells or have blacked out, a tilt test can show if these symptoms are related to your blood pressure or heart rate.
Find out more
Speak to a cardiac nurse
Our Heart Helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
Order or download our booklets
Our free booklets make it easier to understand heart and circulatory diseases.
Treatments for heart and circulatory conditions
Read more about the range of treatments available for heart and circulatory conditions.