Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic (RACC)
Beacon Hospital’s Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic provides you with access to world class cardiac care without lengthy waiting times.
“Your heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. It pumps 7,000 litres of blood each day. When was the last time you got your heart checked?”
Beacon Hospital’s Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic (RACC) provides quick and easy access to expert assessment and investigation for all patients, whether you are symptomatic, or would just like to get your heart checked.
Symptomatic patients include those presenting with; Chest pain or discomfort, palpitations/arrhythmia, shortness of breath and uncontrolled hypertension heart failure.
No GP referral is required and patients may book directly with the unit by phoning 01 293 6694.
Please note, while same-day appointments may be available for urgent cases, all other appointments will be assigned on basis of clinical necessity. Most patients will be seen within 72 hours* of referral.
Contact Details for Appointments
Please note that our RACC is open from 8am until 8pm, Monday to Friday. The last patient appointment time each day will be 5:15pm in order to allow sufficient time for examination and all relevant testing to be completed.
Diagnostics
A dedicated Cardiology Liaison Nurse will be assigned to you upon your arrival. The nurse will discuss with you your symptoms/reasons for your appointment. The nurse and your Consultant Cardiologist will then make a plan of what testing is required.
Tests can include blood tests, stress tests, echocardiogram (Echo), electrocardiogram (ECG) blood pressure monitoring, and Holter monitors.
Our Consultant Cardiologists have access to the most technologically advanced diagnostic radiology equipment in Ireland including the latest in high tech Cardiac CT imaging.
Test Types
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Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes the sides of your arteries as it is pumped throughout your body.
Your Consultant may recommend 24-hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. This is where you will wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours and your blood pressure will be checked every 30 minutes or so. This gives your Consultant a clear picture of how your blood pressure changes over the course of a day.
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Echocardiogram (ECHO)
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that provides moving pictures and provides information on the structure and function of the heart.
An echocardiogram can help diagnose and monitor certain heart conditions by checking the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, analysing how blood flows through them and assessing the pumping chambers of the heart.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.
Sensors attached to the skin detect electrical signals each time your heart beats. These are recorded and your Cardiologist will examine these to see if there are any unusual patterns.
ECGs are often used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of heart conditions.
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Holter Monitoring
A Holter monitor is a small device which is used to track your heart rhythm. Your Consultant may ask you to wear this for one to two days. During this time, the monitor will record each of your heartbeats.
A Holter monitor is often used when your Consultant feels that more information than that from other tests such as an ECG is needed. The information collected by the Holter monitor can help your Consultant determine if you have an irregular heartbeat.
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Stress Test
A stress test, sometimes called an exercise stress test, allows your Cardiologist to monitor your heart’s activity during a period of physical activity.
Exercise increases your heart rate meaning that an exercise stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart that might otherwise be difficult to detect. Your stress test at Beacon Hospital will involve you walking on a treadmill while your blood pressure, heart rhythm and breathing are monitored.
Your Cardiologist may recommend a stress test if you have signs or symptoms of coronary artery disease or an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). The test may also recommend treatments, measure the effectiveness of treatment, or determine the severity, if you have previously been diagnosed with a heart condition.
Results & Next Steps
Patients attending the RACC will be provided with a same-day verbal report. If no further investigations or treatment is required, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP. A summary report will be sent to your GP for their medical notes.
If you require further testing or treatment, your Consultant will discuss this with you. Should you require intervention by another specialist, this will be discussed with you and an appointment will be made for you. Again, your GP will be sent a report detailing any further diagnostic tests or treatments required.