ECG

Ultrasound scan of the heart with Doppler, performed by the cardiologist. An echo shows how strongly the heart pumps (ejection fraction), narrowing or leakage of the valves, thickness of the heart muscle, pressure in the lungs and holes in the heart. There is no radiation and no needles, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It is used to assess breathlessness, heart murmurs and heart failure, after a heart attack, and before procedures such as TAVI and device closure. Fee: ₹1,500.

A small recorder worn for 24 to 48 hours that records the heart rhythm during normal daily activity. It is used only when the cardiologist needs a longer rhythm recording after seeing you in clinic. Please note: Holter monitoring is prescribed only after a consultation with the cardiologist and is not booked as a stand-alone test. The recording is arranged through a partner diagnostic provider, and the cardiologist reviews the report with you.

A blood test done at the clinic, with the result available in minutes. NT-proBNP rises when the heart is under strain. It helps confirm or rule out heart failure as the cause of breathlessness or swelling, and during follow-up it helps the cardiologist adjust heart failure medicines. Fee: ₹1,000 (result in minutes).