Persistent shortness of breath or chest palpitations which occur while resting or during periods of physical activity are often interpreted by patients to be a sign of heart problems.

Neither necessarily indicates cardiac failure but nevertheless they do require investigation just to make sure there isn’t a problem.  InsideVue and Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic have developed five diagnostic programmes that offer a comprehensive cardiac screening service. 

In keeping with the InsideVue philosophy, each is readily accessible and affordable and for the majority of patients, will provide the reassurance they need so they can just get on with their lives. However, should you need to go on to see a consultant, we can arrange for you to attend one of Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic’s outreach clinics run by InsideVue. Alternatively you can ask your GP for an NHS or consultant of choice referral.

The five programmes we have developed with Consultant Cardiologist Dr Edward Leatham at Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic offer differing diagnostic approaches according to patient needs.  The one thing they do have in common is that you can self-refer to each:

• BP Alert - home blood pressure monitoring
• Heartrhythm - ambulatory event monitoring
• Heartscreen - electrochemical heart failure testing
• Heartscan - ultrasound scan to visually check the heart
• Calciumcount - evaluation of hardening/narrowing of the coronary arteries 

Symptom or Condition	BP Alert	Heartrhythm	Heartscreen	Heartscan	Calciumcount(over 40 yrs old)
Breathless on effort	*	*	****	***	**
Palpitation or erratic heart rhythm	*	****	**	***	*
Fatigue		*	****	***	*
Ankle swelling	**		****	***	*
Family history of heart disease other  risk factors	**				****
Raised or possibly raised Blood Pressure	****		*	***	**
Any of the above and a ‘heart murmur’ detected	**		***	****	*

The table ranks which diagnostic screening test is most useful for each type of problem

****     The best test with highest predictive value

***       Often useful in addition to other tests

**         Adds clinical value to other tests

*           Might be useful in some cases

Blank     No additional value

Please note that screening tests should always be considered as well as a consultation with your GP