Cardiology – NHS Forth Valley

Cardiology deals with a wide variety of heart conditions which includes conditions affecting the heart circulation, the aorta, valves, heart rhythm and heart function.

The cardiology department is located on the first floor of Forth Valley Royal Infirmary and comprises the cardiology investigation department, cardiology outpatients, cardiology day unit and the cardiology ward. The outpatient department is open between 8am and 4:30pm.

Clinics

The cardiology department runs General Consultant led cardiology clinics in Forth Valley Royal Hospital and some specialist clinics. The cardiology team is made up of a variety of specialists including Cardiac Physiologists, Specialist Nurses, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Consultant Cardiologists, Consultant Nurse and Specialty Doctor. Our cardiac rehabilitation team includes specialist nurses and physiotherapists who are skilled in all aspects of living with heart disease.

Our specialist clinics are run by the staff with the appropriate skills for each condition and supported by the Consultant Cardiologists.

The following specialist clinics are held:

Device Clinics (Implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, implanted monitors)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Heart Function Clinics
Atrial Fibrillation
Congenital cardiac clinic

Treatment Advice

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound scan)

If you require to have an echocardiogram, an appointment will be arranged by either your own GP or a doctor at Forth Valley Royal Hospital to perform an ultrasound scan of the heart.

You will be asked to remove your clothing from the top half of your body (a gown will be provided) and lie on a couch on your left side.

A small probe and gel will be placed on the front and side of your chest, which allows staff to view your heart’s structures on a monitor.

The scan time can vary from 20-30 minutes and the images recorded will be reviewed and a report sent to the requesting doctor.

24-Hour Heart Monitor Test

If your heart requires to be monitored an appointment will be arranged by either your own GP or a doctor at Forth Valley Royal Hospital to have a 24-hour heart monitor fitted.

This test involves a small portable monitor being attached around your waist and electrodes placed at various positions on your chest to record the rhythm of your heart over a 24-hour period.

You should continue with your daily activities as normal, although you will be unable to have a bath or shower while wearing the monitor. It is therefore advisable to have a shower on the morning of the test.

Please note: you will have to return the next day at the same time to have the heart monitor removed so if you are arranging transport, please organise this for both days.

Referrals

Referrals are by GP or another Consultant only.

Contacts

Outpatient Department – 01324 566973
Cardiology Ward – 01324 566992

Do you have one of our cardiac monitors?

Have you previously been fitted with a cardiac monitor?

If you still have the monitor, please return it so other patients can benefit. By handing it back, you’ll also help support timely diagnosis for people who may have undiagnosed heart conditions.

Please return cardiac monitors Monday to Friday to:

Cardiac Investigations / Cardiology Outpatients
First Floor
Forth Valley Royal Hospital

Thank you for supporting our Cardiology team.