Rapid access chest pain clinic

NHS Western Isles guidelines - In development

Your GP/Consultant has referred you to the local Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic (RACPC).

This clinic aims to see if you have evidence of angina – or if you already are known to have angina it is used to help plan your future treatment.

Rapid access chest pain clinic - patient information leaflet (PDF)

If for any reason you are unable to attend your appointment, please telephone 01851 708267.

Before your appointment

If you have any mobility problems please inform the Medical Secretary by telephoning (01851)708267.

It is important that you inform your GP or the Day Hospital Unit if you become unwell prior to your appointment, as it may have to be postponed until you are feeling better.

In particular if you are having more frequent chest pains or tightness than you were at the time of your referral, then you should inform your GP.

About the appointment

Your appointment will last approximately 45 minutes and will involve some questions followed by a brief examination of your heart and lungs and an ECG (heart tracing).

Good skin preparation for the electrodes is required, so for your own convenience you may wish to shave your chest.

The health professional performing the clinic will then make a decision as to whether or not you require any further investigation. The outcome of this assessment may be:

  • reassurance that your symptoms are not likely to be related to heart disease
  • an Exercise Tolerance Test. This will involve walking on a treadmill similar to those seen in a gym whilst a heart tracing is carried out. The treadmill will be started at a slow speed on an incline and every 3 minutes will be increased according to the individual
  • a CT scan of your heart. This will often require a second visit to the hospital and will be explained at the time of your initial appointment.

Occasionally it may be necessary to recommend referral to the mainland for either a Thallium Scan or a more detailed heart scan called an Angiogram. This will be fully explained if this is felt to be the best course of action for you.

The day of your appointment

Take any prescribed medication as usual, unless instructed by your GP to do otherwise. Avoid alcohol, smoking or a heavy meal prior to your appointment. Ideally you should eat nothing for 2 hours before your appointment.

Please bring along a note of all your current medication, or the tablets themselves. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and a pair of fat shoes suitable for walking, in case you are asked to go on the treadmill.

Please be aware that whilst it is usually possible to go home within 45 minutes of your appointment, if you experience significant symptoms during your appointment it may be necessary to arrange hospital admission for further observation.

After your appointment

You will be told the results of any investigations or tests performed before you leave.

A report will also be sent to the GP/Consultant who referred you for the test, with any information regarding future treatment.

Venue

For the duration of your appointment, the venue for each clinic will be held at the Day Hospital Unit, which is located to the right of the main hospital entrance.

Day Hospital Unit
Western Isles Hospital
Macaulay Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2AF
Tel. 01851 708296

Further information and help

For further information, or if you have any queries about your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact:

Medical Secretary
Western Isles Hospital
MacAulay Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2AF
Tel. 01851 708267
www.wihb.scot.nhs.u

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