Spotlight on Echocardiograms or 'Echos'

An echocardiogram, also known as an ‘Echo’ for short, is a common, non-invasive test performed on the heart. High frequency sound waves are used to view your heart beating and blood pumping in real time. The images obtained can help to assess the overall function of your heart and identify heart disease.

The test is often performed to investigate chest pain, shortness of breath, the function of valves and chambers in the heart, and to look for any inflammation or structural abnormalities. It can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical interventions. Echo is often combined with doppler ultrasound to view the flow of blood across the heart’s chambers.

During the echocardiogram, you will be asked to wear a gown and lie on your left side. The sonographer will place three small electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor the electrical activity of your heart. Gel is spread gel over a small wand, known as a transducer, which will be pressed firmly against your skin. Ultrasounds are beamed through your chest and into your heart. These sound waves are recorded and converted into moving images on the monitor. You may be asked to change positions during the test so that pictures of different areas of the heart may be taken.

Most people find they have no discomfort during the test. It is very safe and takes anywhere from 30- 40 minutes to complete. You can go back to your normal activities immediately after the test. Your results will then be reviewed by your cardiologist and discussed with you at your next appointment.

Northern Specialist Suites offer echocardiograms at our clinic at Mawson Lakes. For more information, contact our clinic on (08) 8250 0311. General practitioners can download a referral form from our website and email it to referral@northernss.net.au or via Healthlink EDI: ‘Northess’

What is a lung function test?

A lung function test takes around 45 minutes to complete and it contains three main components; spirometry, diffusion capacity and static lung volumes. These tests help to determine the overall health of your lungs.

Spirometry is a measure of air flow over time. These measures, termed flow volume loops (FVL), are performed before and after administration of a puffer, also known as a bronchodilator, to assess for reversibility. The most important parameters measured during spirometry include forced expiratory flow volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVL) measured in litres per second.

Spirometry alone may not be sufficient to completely define the extent of lung disease, perioperative risk, response to therapy or level of impairment. Often spirometry is used as a screening procedure.

Diffusion Capacity measures the effectiveness of the gas exchange occurring in the deepest part of your lungs across the alveolar capillary membrane in to the blood stream. Single breath carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) or transfer factor (TLCO) is recorded. As DLCO is sensitive to haemoglobin levels, a haemoglobin sample from a finger prick is obtained. Results are reported in both corrected and uncorrected forms.

Static Lung Volumes are measured via body plethysmography. This determines how much air the lungs can hold. The term static lung volumes is used to describe the measurement of various subdivisions of the lungs. This includes inspiratory capacity (IC), vital capacity (VC), functional residual capacity (FRC) and total lung capacity (TLC). Further subdivisions of capacities measured include residual volume (RV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory volume reserve (IRV) and tidal volume (Vt).

Measuring lung volumes can be very useful in distinguishing between restrictive lung disorders such as pulmonary fibrosis and scoliosis where lung volumes tend to be decreased, from obstructive lung disorders, such as COPD or bronchiectasis, where lung volumes tend to be increased, and is a useful adjunct to spirometry.

Please do not hesitate to call the lung function lab on 8250 0311 should you wish to discuss any aspect of lung function testing.

Special thanks to our Senior Respiratory Scientist, Silas John, for putting this article together for Northern Specialist Suites.

Introducing the Holter monitor

The Holter monitor is a non invasive, small, wearable device that keeps track of your heart rhythm continuously over a period from one day to a few days. In that time, it will record every one of your heart beats. It is commonly used when an electrocardiograph (ECG) does not provide sufficient information for your doctor to understand what is happening with your heart. The information recorded by the machine will show any changes in your heart rhythm.

Holter monitors are commonly prescribed for people who have unexplained fainting or signs and symptoms of an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). The Holter monitor has more capacity to pick these up over an ECG as it runs over a longer period of time. They can also used if you have a medical condition that can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.

Some electronic equipment can interfere with the readings, so it is important to stay clear of magnets, microwave ovens, electric blankets, mobile phones, smart watches and the like while your monitoring is taking place. Additionally, it is important that the monitor and electrodes do not get wet. It is recommended that you shower before your appointment for this reason.

A nurse or other technician will place several electrodes on your chest. Men with particularly hairy chests may need to have some hair shaved so that the electrodes can stick properly. The machine will be placed in a small pocket which can hang around your neck and underneath your clothing. Once the monitor is all in place, you are free to go about your usual daily activities. You will be given written instructions, including an event diary where you can record your activities over the monitoring period, as well as any unusual symptoms.

Some machines have a button that you can press when you feel symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain or skipped heartbeats. This will record the time of the event so that it can later be compared to the heart rhythm recorded at that particular time.

When you return to your doctor’s office, your doctor will assess the results and discuss them with you. The Holter monitor can help determine if you have a heart condition, and if your medications are working. In some cases, the monitor needs to be worn over a longer period of time for a diagnosis to be made. Holter monitors are regularly used by the specialists at Northern Specialist Suites. Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to one of our friendly team for more information.