Valve Surveillance Clinic

Patient Information Leaflet

What is it?

A clinic led by a Healthcare Scientist who will assess your heart valves by performing an Echocardiogram and ask you questions regarding any cardiac symptoms you may have

• The test is without side effects and does not use Radiation. You may feel some discomfort on your chest wall due to the positioning of the probe.

Why is it being done?

• Your consultant will have referred you to this clinic to monitor your heart valve and the overall structure and function of your heart.

What does it involve?

• If you require a chaperone for this procedure, please ask at the reception desk when you arrive for your appointment so this can be arranged.
• The appointment will take approximately 60 minutes.
• You will be asked questions regarding cardiac symptoms
• Gel will be applied to an ultrasound probe which will be placed firmly on your chest, some discomfort may occur, but it should not hurt.
• Obtaining clear images requires concentration and a steady hand, please bear with the sonographer if they are quiet during image acquisition.
• Relatives and friends will be able to stay with you during the test

Are there any special precautions I need to take before the test?

Please bring a full list of your current medication with you.

Ladies will be issued with a gown which covers the chest area sufficiently to preserve dignity while allowing access to the chest area for scanning. Gentlemen, please ask if you prefer to have a gown.

After the test

• Once the test is complete you can get dressed and leave the department. There are no limitations as to what you can do after the scan, carry on with your normal activities.
• The results will be sent to the requesting doctor and a letter containing your results will be sent to you and your GP
• Your doctor may have requested other tests and if that is the case information about them should be enclosed with this letter or separately. It is important that all the tests arranged are carried out.
• If you have any questions, please ask the cardiac physiologist or doctor.
• If you have any queries about this appointment, please call the Cardiology Department on telephone no. 01384 456111 ext. 3082

To reach the Cardiology Department proceed as follows:

Enter front foyer via the Main Hospital Entrance and turn to face the large reception desk on the left. To the right-hand side of the desk there is a set of double doors. Pass through the double doors and follow the corridor until you see the Cardiology Reception on the right-hand side.

If you do need NHS transport, please arrange this with your GP. 

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.