Patients
Patient Information
Preparation and recovery depend on the specific investigation or procedure and on your own situation. This page gives general guidance and points you to the detailed pages. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.
On this page
General preparation
Before Your Appointment
Some information helps the doctor to understand your situation. Where they apply to you, it can help to bring or prepare:
Relevant records
Earlier reports, letters and test results.
Medication information
A list of the medicines you take, including how you take them.
Symptom history
When symptoms started, how often they occur, what they feel like and what seems to trigger them.
Earlier ECG or monitoring results
Any previous recordings, where available.
Specific requirements, if any, will be given to you by the care team.
General guide
Before a Procedure
Before a test or procedure, the care team will explain what to expect. This usually includes a clinical assessment and a review of your medicines. Instructions such as fasting, changes to medicines, and arrival and preparation details are given to you by the care team where they apply. Do not change any medicine unless you have been told to do so.
The pages below explain individual procedures in more detail.
A general journey
Procedure Day
The details differ between procedures. The following is a general outline only.
Arrival
You arrive and are welcomed by the team.
Preparation
The team checks details and prepares you.
Procedure
The test or procedure is carried out.
Monitoring and recovery
You are monitored until the team is satisfied.
Recovery
After a Procedure
After a procedure, follow the individual instructions you are given. These may cover:
Medication plan
Which medicines to take, change or stop, as advised by your doctor.
Wound or access-site care
Where applicable, how to look after the area where catheters or devices were placed.
Rhythm monitoring
Whether you need further recordings.
Follow-up
Review appointments and when to contact the team.
Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or any sudden new symptom.
Activity
Returning to Daily Life
Activity restrictions differ by procedure and by individual situation. Some people can return to usual activities sooner than others. Your care team will tell you what applies to you, including advice on exercise, work and travel.
Detailed guides
Explore by Procedure
Each page describes what the procedure involves, who it may be considered for and what to expect.
Tests
Monitoring Information
Monitoring tests record the rhythm without a procedure and are often used first.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my appointment?
Relevant records, a list of medicines, notes on your symptoms and any earlier ECG or monitoring results, where available.
Should I stop my medicines before a test or procedure?
Do not stop or change medicines unless your care team tells you to.
Do I need to fast?
Only if the care team tells you to. Instructions depend on the test or procedure.
Will I be able to go home the same day?
This depends on the procedure and on your situation. The team will explain it beforehand.
How do I care for the area where a catheter was placed?
Follow the instructions you are given. Contact your care team if you have concerns.
When can I return to normal activities?
This differs by procedure and by individual. Your care team will advise you.
Will I need follow-up?
Follow-up is a normal part of care and is planned individually.
Can I ask questions before a procedure?
Yes. It is a good idea to write down your questions and to ask them before the procedure.
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