Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
The rapid access suspected angina clinic is a clinic set up to aid early diagnosis of angina. GPs and the Emergency Department refer individuals into the clinic who have presented with chest pain, with or without shortness of breath, which can be symptoms of angina.
Please note the clinic is nurse led and there will be no doctor present during your appointment. The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) will take an assessment and decide upon possible diagnosis and required investigations.
We advise you to have a light meal before the appointment. We also require you to avoid caffeine from 6.00pm the evening before your appointment.
Please do not apply any moisturisers / oils / creams to your skin as this can interfere with some of the investigations we may perform.
Please note: not all investigations will be available on the same day as your clinic appointment.
On the day, please
• dress in comfortable clothing and
• wear flat shoes
• bring an up to date list of medication
• you are prescribed
• ensure you are well hydrated.
What should I expect to happen at my RASAC appointment?
When you arrive, a cardiac physiologist will perform an ECG (Electrocardiograph), even if you have had one performed at your GP surgery or in hospital.
Following this you will be seen by the clinical nurse specialist who will discuss with you the symptoms you have been experiencing. The nurse will also ask you – and takes notes about - any other medical conditions, lifestyle and medication history.
The CNS will take your blood pressure, pulses, heart sounds and chest sounds.The nurse will then decide on a diagnosis and if any further investigations are required. If the investigation is not available on the day of your clinic appointment, this will be booked for you and carried out another day. You should expect your clinic appointment to last 30-60 mins, dependent on investigations to be done on the day.
Investigations that you may be referred for
CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA)
This is a scan using computer tomography which allows us to image the coronary arteries for plaque build up which restricts the blood flow. The scan is non invasive and has many benefits and less risk of complications. On the day of your scan the radiographer will insert a cannula and ask you to change into a surgical gown.
Once prepared you will be walked through to the scanning room where you will meet the radiologist performing and analyzing the scan.
You will be asked to lie on a couch where you will be connected to 3 lead ECG monitoring and a pump which administers the contrast dye. To ensure we achieve clear images we may need to give some intravenous medication to lower your heart rate. The team will talk you through what will happen; during the scan the team will be in the control room but there is an intercom system between the rooms.
The scan takes approximately 30 mins but we will ask you to stay for some time after for us to monitor you.
Myocardial Perfusion Scan (MPS)
A myocardial perfusion scan looks at how well the heart muscle (myocardium) is supplied with blood. The test takes a few hours to complete.
The first stage is elevation of the heart rate either through walking on a treadmill or use of intravenous medication, depending on your ability. The first scan is then taken approximately 1 hour after elevation of the heart rate; the scan will take approximately 30 mins.
The next part of the scan is done approximately 2-3 hours later or in some cases the next working day. A further injection will be given and you will be scanned two hours after the injection.
Stress Echocardiography (ESE/DSE)
An echocardiogram (echo) is a scan that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to produce pictures of the heart. During a stress echocardiogram we scan your heart before and after light or moderate exercise.
This helps the team to find possible causes of symptoms you may experience during physical stress or exercise.
If you are unable to exercise, we will give you some medication, such as Dobutamine, through an injection. This will make your heart beat harder and faster, similar to when you exercise.
Coronary Angiography
This is an invasive procedure which allows us to look directly at the coronary arteries. It also allows us to measure the pressure within the arteries. This is done by using X-ray imaging to view the heart and its anatomy via a cardiac catheter and contrast dye. This investigation is usually done as a day case.
Please note, not all patients require investigation. If your investigations are not done on the day you will receive a letter with your results within 2-3 weeks after the investigation is performed. If further investigations are required one of the Clinical Nurse Specialists will contact you to discuss further.
If you have any enquiries with regard to your appointment please do not hesitate to contact us on Wexham Park Hospital 03006153517 Frimley Park Hospital 03006147917 (Booking centre).
If you have any enquiries with regard to your appointment please do not hesitate to contact us on 01753 633517 (direct line) 8am-4pm.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cardiology service.
About this information
Service:
Cardiology
Reference:
C/011
Approval date:
16 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.