Cardio-oncology assessment

A referral to the cardio-oncology clinic will come from your doctor, oncologist, surgeon, anaesthetist, local cardiologist or GP. This referral will be a part of your oncology treatment.

This service supports your oncologist treating your cancer by assessing your heart function. If we find a problem on the day, your cardiologist will give you advice on the right treatment.

What to bring

On the day of your appointment, bring with you:

• an up-to-date list of all your medication including doses. The best thing to do is bring a copy of your most recent ‘green’ prescription from your GP

• any medication you will need during the day

• something to read for the breaks

• your own food and drink or money so you can buy refreshments throughout the day

You may have to do an exercise test as part of your cardiac assessment. It is best to wear comfortable and loose clothing and shoes, such as trainers.

You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to be with you for the day.

You will have a small locker that you can put items in for the day, but there is not much space. So it is best to not bring anything of value with you that is not necessary.

Finding the clinic

The clinic is in the Cardiovascular Research Centre on Level 1 of the hospital (this is the basement level).

Go to main reception on Sydney Street (ground floor, level 2) and follow the blue signs down the stairs or take the lift down one floor.

Arrival

You should arrive at the clinic reception for 8:30am and plan to be in the clinic until 5pm, although you may be able to leave sooner.

The assessment

Below are brief descriptions of the cardiac tests you may receive while you are at the clinic. The appointment letter you receive in the post will tell you which tests you will have done.

We may insert a cannula when you arrive at the clinic. This is to help the doctors with their tests.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

This is a simple tracing of the electrical activity of your heart. For the test, you will need to remove your top and lie down on a couch. We will attach small ECG electrodes to you to track your heartbeat. This gives doctors information about the electrical activity of the heart.

The test usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Echocardiography and stress echocardiography

This is a simple and painless ultrasound scan of the heart. It helps in accessing the function and structure of heart valves and heart chambers.

Sometimes we will recommend a second stage. This involves a slow injection (infusion) of medication via a drip into one of your veins, which makes your heart beat stronger and faster. This is called a stress echocardiography.

The test usually takes 60 to 70 minutes.

Find out more about echocardiography

Find out more about stress echocardiography

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scan

A CMR scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your heart. It gives us information on the structure of your heart and blood vessels and how well they are working.

The test will last for up to one hour.

Find out more about CMR scans

Chest x-ray

Our X-ray department is also called the radiology department. You can find it on Level three in the hospital.

This is a standard chest x-ray. You should not have this test if you are or think you may be pregnant.

Blood tests

We will do a series of blood tests during the day. Some are standard tests to check kidney and liver function and exclude anaemia. Others are more specific to heart function. We will take your blood samples from your arm or hand.

If you have been told by your doctor not to have blood taken from your arms, contact Ian Woodcraft or Alison Esprit on 020 73528121, ext 2956/2960. 

Results of the tests 

After your tests, you will see a consultant cardiologist in the afternoon to discuss the results of your morning tests and plan your care.

There is also the opportunity to meet one of the clinical nurse specialists who works with your cardiologist. You will be able to ask them any further questions about your care and treatment.

Sometimes you may need to see the cardiologist again as you undergo your cancer treatment. If this is necessary, we will talk to you about this on the day and make another appointment for you.