Cardiology

• About Us

  We offer a wide range of Invasive and Non Invasive Cardiology Services, more than most District Cardiology Units and in many cases of equal standard to that offered anywhere else, including Tertiary Specialist and Regional Centres.

  The standard of our services is amongst the highest in Greater Manchester. This assertion is based on Audit results carried out by independent auditors.

• Our Cardiology Consultants
  • Dr Nayyar Naqvi
  • Dr Adeniyi Molajo
  • Dr Sanjay Arya
  • Dr Haytham Hamdan 
  • Dr Ashish Dhawan
  • Dr Ayyaz Sultan
  • Dr Rushd Jibran
  • Dr VJ Karthikeyan
• Our Respiratory Consultants
  • Dr Madi
  • Dr Aziz
  • Dr Ashish
  • Dr Sundar
• Ambulatory Monitor

  The Ambulatory Monitor requires you to wear a heart monitor to record your heart beat for a specified amount of time.

  Please inform a member of staff if you have a Pacemaker or skin allergies.

  What to Expect

  • You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up, gowns are available on request
  • The monitor will take approximately 15 minutes to fit
  • You will be required to return after the specified time to have your monitor removed
  • Please continue with your regular daily activities whilst wearing the monitor
  • If you require a chaperone please inform the department
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand
  • A Clinical Physiologist or assistant will be performing the Test

  The Results

  The recording is analysed and the results are sent to the person who referred you. If you were referred by your GP you will receive your results from the GP. If you were referred by a Consultant you will usually get your results from them - either in a clinic appointment or via letter (a copy will go to you and your GP).

• Cardiology and Respiratory at Leigh Infirmary

  The Cardiology and Respiratory Department at Leigh contains:

  • 1 exercise lab
  • 1 respiratory function lab
  • 1 pacing room
  • 1 clinical room/ pacing room
  • 2 echo rooms
  • 2 ECG rooms
  • 2 event recorder/vitalograph rooms
  • Event station hub where all the analysis is performed

  The department is located next to area 4 at Leigh.

• Clinical Psychology Service

  We recognise that experiencing heart problems can be a frightening time for patients, and that many of our patients can experience emotional distress as a result. Often such feelings will ease, particularly as patients become more confident over time. 

  Where these feelings do not ease after a short period of time, we offer a designated Clinical Psychology Service. This service is available to patients who continue to experience symptoms of anxiety, low mood or depression as a result of adjusting to their recent cardiac event or surgery; or indeed if they are struggling to live with an ongoing heart condition.

  Examples of typical difficulties may include:

  • Fear of recurrence
  • Worrying about symptoms and the future
  • Feelings of anxiety and panic (which then patients can often interpret as cardiac symptoms)
  • Low mood and depression

  You will be offered an assessment, and agree together whether it may be useful to meet for individual psychological therapy sessions, with the aim of helping you adjust to, and cope better with your recent diagnosis, cardiac event, or ongoing cardiac concerns.

  For more information please read our Seeing a Clinical Psychologist leaflet.

  Referrals are made to Dr Liz Simon, Clinical Psychologist, via a member of the Cardiology Team involved in your care. If you wish to be referred, please speak to the professional involved in your Cardiology care, and they will action this for you. Appointments are offered at the Cardiology department at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, or the Specialist Psychological Therapy Department at Leigh Infirmary.

• Coronary Angiogram

  An Angiogram is an x-ray that takes pictures of the flow of blood through your coronary arteries to your heart muscle; if you have angina theses arteries narrow and do not allow enough blood to the muscle when your heart rate increases for example when you exert yourself.

  The Angiogram will check where the arteries have narrowed and how narrow they have become.

  Before the Test

  • You will be seen in a pre-assessment clinic at the Thomas Linacre Centre where you will be counselled and a full explanation of the procedure will be given
  • Blood tests will be done as well as swabs of your nose and groin for MRSA
  • You may also be given medicines to thin your blood the night before if a stent is being considered at the same time as your Angiogram, although this is not always the case

  What to Expect

  • There is no need to fast for an angiogram just have a light breakfast or lunch   
  • The angiogram is a day case procedure (no overnight stay is necessary)
  • The procedure takes approximately 20-60 min – although you will be in hospital for longer (usually a full morning or afternoon)
  • Bring some reading materials as you may need to wait a little while once you have been admitted before you  go through to the Lab for your test  
  • Warfarin will be stopped four days prior to the angiogram
  • Metformin for diabetes will be stopped on the day of the procedure and advice will be given on the day when to recommence   
  • You will need someone to stay at home with you after the Angiogram 
  • Relatives who come to hospital with you will not be allowed in during the tests however they are more than welcome to wait at the hospital  or can come back at the end of your tests
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand

  The Results

  You are given some information on the day regarding your test. However, test results including any further procedures required and recommendations for treatment(if needed) are sent to the person who referred you, for example your GP, who will discuss these results with you.

• Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

  A Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram is an ultrasounds scan of the heart performed whilst the heart is being exercised.

  Ultrasound is a very high frequency sound that you cannot hear, but it can be emitted and detected by special machines to give accurate picture of the heart muscle, the heart chambers and structures within the heart such as valves.

  The heart is exercise using the drug, Dobutamine, which slowly increases the heart rate in a similar way to the natural increase in heart rate that occurs during exercise.

  This allows the heart to be imaged at different stages of activity.

  What to Expect

  • You will need to undress from the waist upwards- gowns are available upon request
  • A small tube will be inserted into a vein in your arm through which the medication will be administered to increase your heart rate during the test
  • You will be required to lie on your left hand side on the couch
  • Small sticky patches, electrodes, will be put onto your arms and chest
  • These electrodes are connected to an ECG recording machine
  • A probe (which is like a very thick blunt pen) and lubricating jelly, are put on your chest
  • The operator moves the probe around over the skin surface to get views of your heart from different angles
  • Sometimes pressure has to be applied, which may cause slight discomfort
  • The text last around 60 minutes
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand
  • A Clinical Physiologist or assistant will be performing the Test

  The Results

  You will be given an informal result at the time of the scan. Test results will then been sent to the person who referred you, for example your GP, with details of what the test results show and any treatment required.

• Electrocardiogram

  An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a simple and useful test which records the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart.

  What to Expect

  Your test will be performed by a Cardiac Clinical Physiologist or assistant. You will be required to undress from the waist upwards, gowns are available upon request.

  • Small, sticky patches named electrodes will be put onto your arms, legs and chest
  • The electrodes are connected to an ECG recording machine, which picks up the electrical signals that make your heart beat
  • The machine records a few beats from each set of the electrodes onto paper
  • The test will only take about ten minutes, is completely painless and requires no special preparation
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand

  The Results

  All test results are sent to the person who referred you, for example your GP, with details of what the test results show and any treatment required.

• Exercise Tolerance Test

  An Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) is an Electrocardiogram (ECG) that is recorded while you are exercising.

  The test assesses how well your heart works when you are active and your heart has to work harder.

  When you are active, your heart needs more blood and oxygen.

  This test will show if there is a lack of blood through the arteries that supply the heart.

  What to Expect

  The duration of the test is usually between 2-15 minutes. The value of the test is much greater if you try to walk for as long as you can.

  • You will be required to undress from the waist upwards. Gowns will be available on request
  • Ten small adhesive patched (electrodes) are placed onto your chest, which are then connected to wires
  • Your blood pressure will be taken and you will be asked to walk on the treadmill
  • The test will begin at an easy pace, with a small incline
  • The pace and incline is gradually increased
  • The test will be completed when enough information has been obtained, this is usually a target heart rate and time, which are determined by your age

  Before the Test

  • Wear light comfortable clothing and shoes
  • Do not eat a heavy meal before the test
  • In some cases, patients using beta-blockers may be advised to stop taking them for a day or two before
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand
  • A Clinical Physiologist or assistant will be performing the test

  The Results

  You will be given an informal result after the test, with any recommendations for further treatment.

  All test results are sent to the person who referred you, for example your GP, with details of what the test results show and any treatment required.

• Heart Failure Service

  Patients who are admitted to WWL with a diagnosis of heart failure are provided with a seamless service from admission to discharge, all the way through to community follow-up.

  Each patient is treated on an individualised basis, with a unique management plan designed around their needs. This ensures that every patient receiving care for heart failure is treated with the appropriate gold standard treatment.

  What to Expect

  • If you are admitted to WWL for Heart Failure, you will be seen by both a Heart Failure Specialist Nurse and a Cardiologist. Relevant tests and investigations are carried out whilst  you are in hospital
  • You will receive appropriate Cardiac medication and details on how to manage your condition when you are discharged
  • You will also be given a heart booklet, containing lots of written information about Heart Failure  and the Heart Failure Specialist Nurse’s contact number, should you need to contact somebody directly
  • WWL’s Heart Failure team work very closely with the Community Heart Failure Service to ensure that patients are offered community follow up and, where appropriate, care is offered at home for patients that are unable to attend clinics
  • The community Heart Failure service regularly meets with the WWL Cardiology Team  to discuss how best to manage patient care and patients with complex Heart Failure problems
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand
• Lung Function Test

  The lung function test is designed to find out what is happening in your lungs.

  The different tests you will perform during your appointment will look primarily at how well you can breathe in and out and how well your lungs are performing. Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand.

  A Clinical Physiologist or assistant will be performing the test.

  What to Expect

  There are three different types of test.

  Spirometry

  This test can diagnose many lung conditions, most commonly COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
  Spirometry can also monitor the severity of various lung conditions and how well they are responding to treatment.

  During the Test:

  • You will be asked to take a large breath in and then blow out as fast as you can until your lungs are completely empty
  • You will then need to take a large breath in to complete the test
  • A clip will be placed on your nose during all the lung function tests to ensure that no air escapes from your nose
  • This test will be done three times in total

  Reversibility Test

  If you have already been prescribed short acting reliever inhaler, please stop taking this for four hours prior to the test. If this is not possible, please inform the Physiologist that you have taken it and at what time.

  Do not stop taking any prescribed oral or inhaled steroid medication for this test.

  During the Test:

  • The test will begin with the basic Spirometry Test
  • The Physiologist will then administer a nebuliser or a bronchodilator called Salbutamol
  • This lasts for around three - five minutes
  • After this, the Spirometry Test will be repeated to see if the lung capacity has improved
  • The medication should stimulate the airways in the lungs to dilate and improve airflow

  Gas Transfer Test

  This test is used to show how well your lungs can perform their main function of getting oxgen into your bloodstream and carbon dioxide out.

  During the Test:

  • You will be asked to take a big breath through the mouth piece of the testing equipment
  • You will then need to hold your breath for a few seconds before breathing back out into the mouth piece

  Lung Volume Test

  The test is usually performed in a booth whilst the door is closed.

  It will determine how much air is in your lungs and how much is left when you breathe out all the air you can manage.

  Patients who have COPD may have a higher volume of air left in the lungs than a person with normal lungs.

  This test will allow the doctor to know more about the lung disease (if any) and the best way of treating the problem.

  The test requires you to breathe into a machine as instructed by a Cardiac Clinical Physiologist. It will take around 30 minutes to perform.

• Pacemaker Check

  For those with pacemakers, you will need to have it regularly checked.

  These checks are to ensure that the pacemaker is fully working; each pacemaker can be altered to your individual requirements.

  What to Expect

  • Small, sticky patches named electrodes will be put on your arms and legs
  • A magnet will be placed over the pacemaker
  • The computer will read the pacemaker and report its functionality
  • The Cardiac Clinical Physiologist can adjust the pacemaker using the computer and magnet
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand
  • A Clinical Physiologist or assistant will be performing the Test
• Pacemaker Implant

  A pacemaker is a device which is implanted for a number of different reasons:

  1. You have experienced or, you are at risk of experiencing fainting or blackouts, this is because your heart rate has become too slow or
  2. You require a special device for heart failure to help the pumping action of your heart.

  The pacemaker consists of the device itself and pacemaker leads, these special leads are guided into place using x-rays, once positioned, the leads are tested and are then connected to the pacemaker device which is small in size, both the leads and the device are then implanted under the skin on the top left hand side of the chest. You will be awake during the procedure however local anaesthetic is used. The procedure takes place in the cardiac catheter laboratory which is a sterile environment.

  Before the Test

  • You will be seen in a pre-assessment clinic at the Thomas Linacre Centre where you will be counselled and a full explanation of the procedure will be given
  • Blood tests will be done as well as swabs of your nose and groin for MRSA
  • Please inform the staff on the day if you have any allergies

  What to expect

  • There is no need to fast for a pacemaker implant just have a light breakfast before 8.00am
  • The procedure takes one - two hours and then you will stay in hospital for a further one – two. It is a day case procedure (no overnight stay)
  • Bring some reading materials as you may need to wait a little while once you have been admitted before you  go through to the Lab for your test  
  • Warfarin will be stopped four days prior to the pacemaker implant
  • Metformin for diabetes will be stopped on the day of the procedure and advice will be given on the day when to recommence   
  • You will need someone to stay at home with you after the Pacemaker implant
  • Relatives who come to hospital with you will not be allowed in during the procedure however they are more than welcome to wait at the hospital  or can come back at the end of your recovery time
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand.
• Pacemaker FAQ's

  How long should a pacemaker last?

  Pacemaker batteries usually do not stop suddenly. One of the purposes of your follow up care is to monitor the battery status. Your pacemaker will give ample warning that the battery is reaching depletion. At this time your doctor will schedule a replacement procedure.

  In general pacemakers last anywhere between 2 to 10 years. Pacemaker longevity depends upon how hard the battery inside the pulse generator has to work. This in turn is affected by how much energy is required to pace your heart and how the system is programmed for your needs.

  Can Home Appliances damage /interfere with my pacemaker?
  Using properly operating household appliances such as microwave ovens, electric blankets and most power tools cannot damage your pacemaker.

  Using electric arc welders or working on automobile ignition systems will also not damage your pacemaker, however there is a possibility that they may interfere with the proper operation of your pacemaker. If you are using any of these or similar devices and become light headed or feel palpitations simply turn the device off or walk away from it and normal pacemaker operation should resume.

  MEDICAL OR SURGICAL TREATMENT
  If you are having any type of medical procedure performed, let your physician, dentist, chiropractor, physiotherapist  or any health or cosmetic care provider know that you have a pacemaker. They will then be able to determine which diagnostic or therapeutic equipment is appropriate to use. 

  The following items do not affect the function of your pacemaker.

  Acceptable:

  • Electric blankets, heating pads and portable space heaters.
  • Hand held items without an AC motor such as cordless electric knives, irons and newer cordless shavers.
  • Large appliances including washers, dryers and electric stoves.
  • Ovens, including microwaves, gas and electric.
  • Salon hair dryers.
  • Tabletop appliances such as toasters, blenders, electric can openers and food processors.
  • Televisions, FM and AM radios, video cassette recorders (VCRs), video games, compact disc players, stereos (other than speakers), desktop and laptop computers.
  • Treadmills
  • Vacuum cleaners and electric brooms.

  The following items do affect the function of your pacemaker in close proximity.

  You must not be too close to these appliances; more than 6 inches away

  • The following items can be used when they are kept 6 inches away from your pacemaker (it is usually the motor that may cause an electromagnetic field). If you experience dizziness and palpitations simply move further away from the item. Your pacemaker will then operate properly.
  • Hand held hair dryers and older shavers with an electrical cord.
  • Pagers
  • Sewing machines and servers (sewing machines that overcast edges to prevent fraying)
  • Electric toothbrush and the base charger of an ultrasonic toothbrush.
  • Large stereo speakers which often have large magnets. Do not lift large stereo speakers close to your pacemaker.

  You must be at least 2 feet away from these appliances.

  When using an induction range for cooking keep your pacemaker 2 feet from the range to prevent EMI.

  Can I use hand held domestic Power Tools?

  Home Power Tools.
  Most home tools are safe to use according to the following guidelines:

  • Keep hand held motorised tools away from your pacemaker.
  • Keep all equipment in good condition to avoid electric shock.
  • Avoid operating power tools when you are alone.
  • Be certain that tools are properly grounded. If you use power machinery often a ground-fault interrupt outlet is a good safety measure. This inexpensive device prevents a sustained electrical shock.

  Battery operated tools and most electric tools are also acceptable to use. Included are these tools:

  • Power drills
  • Jigsaws
  • Electric screwdrivers
  • Soldering irons (but not soldering guns)

  Can I use hand held electric Gardening Tools?

  Yes.
  It is safe to use electric gardening tools. Included are the following tools:

  • Electric hedge clippers
  • Leaf blowers
  • Lawn mowers
  • Snow blowers

  Can I carry out repairs on motor vehicle engines?

  MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR.

  Acceptable with precautions

  • Gas powered tools. Turn off the engine before making adjustments.
  • Car engine repair. Use caution when near the coil, distributor or spark plug cables of a running engine. Turn off the engine before making any adjustments to the distributor.
  • Soldering guns and demagnetisers. Keep 6 inches away from your pacemaker.

  CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH PACEMAKERS

  Not recommended:

  Avoid using a power tool locked in the on position. This would prevent you from quickly turning off the equipment.

  Avoid using a gas-powered chain saw. This is recommended because your hands and body come into close contact with the electric spark generating components/ these components could interact with your pacemaker.

  Can I return to my previous occupation after having a pacemaker fitted?

  Workplace Guidelines

  After recovering from surgery most pacemaker patients can return to work or school. This section offers precautions and guidelines about using or working near various kinds of equipment or sources of high electrical current.

  1. Office based employment.

  Acceptable:

  Most office equipment is safe to use with your pacemaker. This includes the following items and other similar equipment.

  • Computers such as desktop, laptop and mainframe
  • Copy machines
  • Electric typewriters
  • Fax machines
  • Modems
  • Printers such as laser or dot matrix.

  Can radio equipment harm my pacemaker?

  They do not but care is necessary with radios and radio transmitters.

  The antenna used with citizen band (CB) amateur radios and other radio transmitters can produce an EMI. The distance to maintain from the antenna and your pacemaker depends on many factors.

  These factors include the transmitter power, frequency and type of antenna. The distances shown below should avoid EMI. However if the transmitter power is very high longer distances may be needed. And if the antenna can be directed very specifically you may also need to be further away.

  Type of CB, amateur                               Minimum distance
  Or other radio                                          between the antenna and
  Transmitter                                              your pacemaker

  Portable                                                   1 foot

  Car                                                           3 feet

  Home                                                       10 feet

  2. Industrial Occupations

  The following are not recommended:

  Heavy electrical or industrial equipment often produces EMI. This equipment may affect how your pacemaker works. Check with your doctor before working with the following equipment

  • Dielectric heaters, used in industry to bend plastic.
  • Electric steel furnaces used in factories
  • Electric arc welding equipment. (Find out more about the potential effects on pacemakers following the use of arc welding equipment).
  • Industrial magnets.
  • Large magnets, such as those used in some stereo speakers.
  • Power plants, large generator transmission lines and transmission buildings.
  • Radio and television broadcasting towers.

  Can security equipment in Airports and Shop entrance damage or interfere with my pacemaker?

  Travel and Security System Guidelines

  Airports and Shops.

  Most people with pacemakers can travel without taking special precautions. However certain security systems require a few instructions.

  Acceptable

  The following devices do not affect your pacemaker. However you may wish to know about these devices before you encounter them.

  • Automobiles. A car seat belt may feel uncomfortable. On newer model cars the seat belts can be arranged for your comfort. Placing a soft towel between the seat belt and the pacemaker during the first few weeks after surgery may cushion the area. In any case seatbelts should be worn at all times.
  • Airport security systems. Identify yourself as having a pacemaker. Your pacemaker will not be affected by the security system. However the metal case around your pacemaker could set off the alarm. To clear airport security show your pacemaker ID card. Request a hand held screening device to clear you through the security system.
  • Home security systems. It is unlikely that your pacemaker will set off or be affected by home security systems.

  Acceptable with precaution

  • Retail and library security systems. To prevent the effects of these systems on your pacemaker just walk normally through them. Do not linger or lean against these detectors. It is unlikely that your pacemaker will set off retail or library security systems however you should always carry your ID card. This card is always helpful should your pacemaker set off a metal detector or security system.
  • Other electrical devices. Do not stand close to any electrical device if you suspect it is causing a problem with your pacemaker.
• Tilt Test

  A tilt test is used to make a diagnosis following symptoms of dizziness or fainting. The test will recreate your symptoms under monitored and controlled conditions in order to allow the Cardiologist to investigate and diagnose. Tilt tests are for those who have experienced blackouts, fainting or dizzy spells.
   
  If a tilt test is required, you will be referred to one of our Cardiologists by your doctor.

  What to Expect

  • The tilt test can last between 25 and 65 minutes
  • You will be required to undress from the waist upwards, gowns are available upon request
  • Small, sticky patches named electrodes will be put onto your arms, legs and chest
  • The electrodes are connected to an ECG recording machine, which picks up the electrical signals that make your heart beat
  • There will be a blood pressure monitor attached to your finger or arm
  • You will lie horizontally for five minutes
  • The bed is tilted up until you are almost vertical
  • You may be asked to self-administer a spray underneath your tongue- this is to see if it has any effect on your blood pressure during the test
  • If you do not feel comfortable using the spray for any reason please inform one of our technicians at your appointment
  • The test will continue in this position for a further 15 minutes or until you have faint/dizzy feelings and/or a fall in blood pressure or heart rate
  • A Clinical Physiologist or assistant will be performing the Test

  Before the Test

  • Ask someone to accompany you to and from your appointment
  • Please fast for three hours prior to the test
  • Please don’t smoke, take alcohol or caffeine for 24 hours prior to the test
  • You may not be able to drive after the test, please arrange alternative transport, if this is not possible, please contact the department on 01942 822445
  • Please ensure you have a copy of your current medication to hand

  The Results

  You will be given informal results after the test. Then results will be sent to the person who referred you, for example your GP, with details of what the test results show and any treatment required.

• Transoesophagal Echo

  What to Expect

  • A Transoesophagal Echo (TOE) is an ultrasound scan of the heart
  • The procedure involves having a probe passed into your oesophagus (the food pipe) on the end of a flexible probe
  • On arrival you will usually be met by one of our healthcare professionals who will explain the test, ask some routing questions and ask you to sign a consent form
  • A Clinical Physiologist or assistant will be performing the test

  What does the Test involve?

  • The test is performed on a couch or bed
  • The test takes 60 min in total, however the camera is only in for a maximum of 10 min
  • A small canula may be inserted into an arm vein (like a blood test) to administer sedation
  • An ECG (Echocardiogram) and a blood oxygen monitor will be attached and you may be given oxygen through your nose
  • You will be asked to remove any dentures and your throat will be sprayed with local anaesthetic to make it numb
  • A bite guard will be placed between your front teeth
  • The tube is lubricated and then put at the back of your mouth
  • You will be asked to swallow a small number of times to help the tube pass into the food pipe (this will not be painful)
  • You can breathe through your mouth or nose for the remainder of the test
  • The medical team may need to administer a painless injection during the test, if required
  • We do not normally give sedation as we give a strong local anaesthetic. This allows the procedure to be quicker and has fewer side effects
  • Without sedation, you will not need to be accompanied by another adult and you will also be able to drive after the test
  • The anaesthetic means you must refrain from eating or drinking for two hours

  What should I do before the Test?

  • Do not eat or take fluids for up to six hours before the test (except a small amount of water for taking tablets)
  • If you take Warfarin, please stop three days before the test (please contact your GP to arrange a blood test at least the day before your appointment)
  • If you have difficulty swallowing or have ever had surgery on your throat or gullet, you should inform the department as soon as you receive your appointment. It may be necessary to have further investigations prior to this test
  • If you have any allergies, especially to eggs, please inform the doctor before the procedure begins

  After the Test

  • If you have not had sedation you can go home straight away
  • Please refrain from eating or drinking for two hours
  • Check that the local anaesthetic has worn off, using cold water, before you take anything hot
  • The sedative can have a ‘hangover’effect, you will be asked to sit or lie in a recovery area until you feel awake enough to travel home
  • Until the day after your test, please do not: 
    Drive any vehicle
    Operate any machinery 
    Attempt to cook, use sharp utensils or pour boiling fluids
    Drink Alcohol
    Take sleeping tablets
    Make any important decisions or sign any contracts

  The procedure is very safe and complications are rare. Occasional bruising of the back of the throat can occur.

  The Results

  You will be given informal results after the scan. Then results will be sent to the person who referred you, for example your GP, with details of what the test results show and any treatment required.

• Patient Information Leaflets

  View our Cardiology patient information leaflets on our Patient Leaflet section of the website

• Contact Us

  For further information contact the Cardiology and Respiratory Department on 01942 822 445

  Cardiology- Respiratory Department
  Level 0
  Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
  Wigan Lane
  Wigan
  WN1 2NN

  Service Manager
  Jennifer Spicer  -01942 822446

  Deputy Service Manager
  Karen Jackson - 01942822445