Samantha Chapman is a registered general nurse with over 25 years’ experience in cardiology and cardiac catheter labs. She has worked in a number of NHS Trusts, including King’s College Hospital and Manchester Foundation Trust. She is currently managing the Cardiology Services at The Alexandra Hospital with a specific focus on evidence-based practice and patient experience.
Why have I been referred for an ECG and echo, and can I access these tests at The Alexandra Hospital?
Your doctor may refer you for tests such as an ECG or echocardiogram to investigate symptoms including palpitations, light headedness, shortness of breath or chest discomfort. Cardiac echo allows detailed assessment of heart pumping function, valve performance and the presence of infection or fluid. The Alexandra Hospital’s Cardiology Diagnostic Department offers comprehensive, non invasive tests including ECG monitoring, echo, cardiac MRI, CT, stress and tilt tests.
What procedures are carried out in the cardiac catheter lab at The Alexandra Hospital?
The cardiac catheter lab is a specialist environment combining a theatre and X ray room, designed for non surgical heart procedures. At The Alexandra Hospital, procedures include pacemaker and defibrillator implants, unblocking narrowed heart arteries, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and electrophysiology studies to treat heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation. Care is delivered by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team supporting consultant interventional cardiologists.
What’s new in cardiology at The Alexandra Hospital?
The Alexandra Hospital is proud to be the first independent sector cardiac catheter lab outside London to offer Affera Pulsed Field Ablation for irregular heart rhythms. This latest evidence-based technology can improve outcomes, shorten procedure times and often remove the need for general anaesthetic, allowing same-day discharge. We are also continuing to invest in our service through state-of-the-art equipment and continued innovation in patient care.
