What Happens at a Cardiology Appointment? Tests and Questions

At a cardiology appointment, a heart specialist or a member of their team will ask about your symptoms and health, examine you, and often arrange tests such as an ECG (a recording of your heart's electrical activity) or an echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of your heart). Some tests may be done on the same day. You will then be told the results and what happens next, sometimes at a follow-up appointment.

Why you might be referred to cardiology

Cardiology is the hospital specialty that looks after the heart and blood vessels. A GP may refer you if you have symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness or dizziness, or if a test such as a blood pressure check or ECG suggests a heart problem. You may also be seen in cardiology to monitor a heart condition you already have.

If you have sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness or think you are having a heart attack, call 999. Do not wait for an appointment.

Before your appointment

The hospital will send you a letter, email or text with the details. Your appointment may be face to face, by phone or by video.

The NHS website suggests writing a list of things to discuss, which could include:

• all your symptoms, when they started and what brings them on
• the medicines you take, including ones you buy yourself, or photos of the packets
• any allergies
• questions or worries you have
• anything your GP suggested you ask

For heart symptoms, it can help to note how often they happen, how long they last, and what you were doing at the time. If you have a home blood pressure monitor or a smartwatch reading, bring the results.

You can bring someone with you for support.

What usually happens at the appointment

Talking about your symptoms and history

You will be asked about your symptoms, your general health and your family history, including whether close relatives have had heart disease. You may also be asked about smoking, alcohol and exercise.

Examining your heart

The doctor or nurse may listen to your heart and lungs, check your pulse and blood pressure, and look for signs such as swollen ankles.

Tests

Depending on your symptoms, you may have tests on the day or be booked in for them later.

Common heart tests

ECG (electrocardiogram)

An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart, including its rate and rhythm. It is usually quick and painless. Sticky patches are placed on your arms, legs and chest while you lie still for a few minutes.

There are other types:

• A portable ECG is worn on a belt, usually for 24 to 48 hours but sometimes up to 7 days. You cannot bath or shower while wearing it.
• An exercise ECG is done in hospital while you walk on a treadmill or cycle. It usually takes 40 to 60 minutes. If you cannot exercise, you may be given a medicine that raises your heart rate instead.

To prepare, wear a top that is easy to take off, and avoid body lotion, oils or talc on your chest. Before an exercise ECG, avoid a heavy meal or caffeine.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of your heart. It shows how well your heart is pumping and how the valves are working. It is usually done by a sonographer, who moves a probe with gel over your chest. The most common type takes around 30 to 40 minutes.

Other tests

You may also have blood tests, a chest X-ray, or in some cases a heart MRI or CT scan.

For any test, you can ask for a chaperone to be in the room.

Getting your results

You may get ECG results on the same day, but some types take a few weeks. For an echocardiogram, the doctor may be able to talk to you about results on the day, but you will usually have another appointment to discuss them in detail.

If you have not heard about your results after a few weeks, contact the doctor who referred you.

What might happen next

After your assessment, the cardiology team may:

• reassure you that your heart is healthy and discharge you back to your GP
• start or change medicines
• arrange more tests or monitoring
• refer you for a procedure or to a specialist heart centre

The team writes to your GP, and you can ask for a copy of the letter.

After an echocardiogram

The NHS website explains what happens after the different types:

• If you had a contrast injection, you may be asked to wait up to 30 minutes to check you do not react to it.
• A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE), where a thin tube is passed down your throat, can leave your throat sore for 1 to 2 days.
• If you had a sedative, someone needs to take you home by car or taxi, and you should not drive for 24 hours.

Ask the person doing the test when and how you will get the results.

Cardiology questions people ask

How long does a cardiology appointment last?

It varies. A consultation alone may be fairly short, but if you have tests on the same day, allow longer. Your appointment letter may give a guide.

Will I see the consultant?

You will be seen by the consultant's team. This could be the consultant, another doctor or a specialist nurse.

Can I drive home?

Usually yes, unless you are given sedation for a particular test. You will be told in advance if you need someone to take you home.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

• NHS website: Outpatients and day patients
• NHS website: Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• NHS website: Echocardiogram