Rebecca is admitted to hospital for a short period to undergo several tests and monitoring.
Click on the “turn” button to reveal an explanation for each test that Rebecca had:
When you find a term that you don’t know, please use the HEARTe Glossary for more information and explanation.
Tests to be carried out on Rebecca, which include:
Blood pressure (BP) check: Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers e.g. 120/80 mmHg. The higher number being the maximum systolic blood pressure and the lower, is the resting diastolic.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart obtained from electrodes positioned on the chest and limbs. An ECG can detect abnormalities of heart rhythm. It is essential in the assessment of coronary heart disease (CHD) by being able to demonstrate irregular heart rhythms, reduced oxygen levels going to the heart muscle (myocardial ischaemia) or a complete blockage of blood flow, leading to a heart attack (myocardial infarction). It can also show if the heart has become enlarged or is working under strain.
Troponin level (blood test): Troponin is a protein released by an injured heart muscle. It is present in the bloodstream when someone has had a heart attack or reduced blood flow to the heart (ischaemia).
Angiogram: An angiogram is a type of X-ray used to examine blood vessels. Blood vessels don’t show up clearly on ordinary X-rays, so a special dye is injected into the area being examined. The dye highlights the blood vessels as it moves through them. The medical name for this is a coronary angiogram.
