CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Ajmaline provocation test
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Results within 48 hours
- 99% of patients recommend us to family and friends
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Ajmaline provocation test
Why choose us?
We’re the UK's most trusted private care provider and no.1 for private cardiovascular care, looking after over 36,000 cardiac patients every year. According to our patient surveys, 99% of them would recommend us to family and friends.
Your ajmaline provocation test will be carried out by a specialist team including one of our consultant cardiologists who’ll also review your results. We offer care and expertise that goes far beyond testing too, delivering an accurate diagnosis and seamless access to the most effective treatment, in our state-of-the-art private facilities.
An ajmaline provocation test is a diagnostic procedure to detect and screen for a rare but serious electrical heart disorder called Brugada syndrome.
Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac condition that affects the electrical signals that cause your heart muscle to contract and pump blood, sometimes resulting in a dangerously fast heartbeat.
Some people with Brugada syndrome will have no symptoms. Others may experience palpitations, blackouts or fits. Left undiagnosed and untreated, it can be fatal.
If you have a family history of the condition, your GP or consultant is likely to suggest that you take an ajmaline provocation test to help confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Ajmaline is a drug that causes heart rhythm changes that we can see with an electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients who have Brugada syndrome.
You'll be asked to lie on a bed while several sensors are attached to your chest, wrists and ankles using small sticky pads. These sensors are connected to an ECG machine, which records the rate and rhythm of your heart.
A small needle, called a cannula, will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand, which allows you to be given an injection of ajmaline.
Your ECG will then be recorded every few minutes to look for any changes. The whole test only takes around 30 minutes to complete.
It's relatively common to experience a metallic taste in your mouth and your vision may become slightly blurred during the test, but this should quickly go away as the effects of the ajmaline wear off.
There’s a very rare chance that the test itself will induce a dangerously fast heart rhythm, so it’s always important that this test is conducted by an experienced team that has all the right cardiac facilities and expertise immediately at hand.
Undiagnosed Brugada syndrome can also be dangerous, and even fatal. Your cardiac consultant will carefully talk you through all your options and explain the risk factors so you can make an informed decision about whether to go ahead with the test.
You have a choice of 250 consultant cardiologists at HCA UK, supported by a multidisciplinary team of electrophysiologists, clinical nurses and other healthcare specialists. They’ll all work together to deliver the seamless care you need and are expert at safely conducting an ajmaline provocation test help diagnose Brugada syndrome.
Our team of consultant cardiologists each offers different skill sets and specialisms. You can find the right consultant for you here.
Next day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 5 hospitals and 15 diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Our locations
Where can I get my private ajmaline provocation test?
You can be treated by specialist cardiac consultants and dedicated teams at our hospitals in London and Birmingham.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
What to expect
Your Ajmaline Provocation test journey with HCA UK
This simple heart test is the best way to help confirm or rule out a diagnosis of Brugada syndrome. If you opt to have the test, we want you to feel as informed and reassured as possible at every stage.
Below you’ll find an outline of what to expect, but rest assured that your specialist cardiologist and our whole team will be here to explain everything in person.
If you have any questions, we’ll happy to help.
01
GP or self-referral
You may have a referral from a GP for an ajmaline provocation test but you’re also welcome to self-refer if you feel you need to get your heart health checked. Either way, just call the cardiac referral line on 020 7616 4988 and we’ll be happy to get you booked in with one of our consultant cardiologists.
02
Preparing for the test
Your consultant cardiologist will explain the test to you and answer any questions you may have. You’ll normally be asked not to eat anything for six hours before your test.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks or side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
03
During the test
You'll lie on a bed with several sensors attached to your chest, wrists and ankles using small sticky pads, connected to an ECG machine. This will record the rate and rhythm of your heart.
You’ll be given an injection of ajmaline through a small needle inserted into your arm called a cannula. Your ECG will then be recorded every few minutes to look for any changes in your heart’s electrical activity and rhythm.
04
Aftercare
An ajmaline provocation test takes around 30 minutes. It's relatively common to experience a metallic taste in your mouth and you may experience slightly blurred vision during the test, which should quickly go away.
We’ll monitor your heart for a short period after the test to ensure that it’s returned to a safe rhythm, at which point you'll be free to go home.
05
Follow up
Your consultant physiologist will discuss your results with you and let you know about any next steps, including any further tests that may be needed.
If a diagnosis of Brugada syndrome is confirmed, they'll talk you through your treatment options.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Ajmaline provocation test FAQs
Yes, Brugada syndrome is a genetic condition caused by a faulty gene and it’s most often inherited. It affects the electrical signals in your heart, sometimes resulting in a dangerously fast heartbeat.
It’s possible to get a diagnosis by taking a simple heart test called an ajmaline provocation test and we recommend doing this test if anyone in your family has the condition.
Ajmaline is a drug that causes changes in an electrocardiogram (ECG) for patients that have the Brugada syndrome. Injecting you with the drug while monitoring your heart with an ECG will allow our specialists to observe any changes and make an accurate diagnosis.
This is proven to be a safe procedure so long as it’s performed in a controlled clinical environment, supported by careful cardiac monitoring.
However, there is a very rare chance that the test itself will induce a dangerously fast heart rhythm. If you choose HCA UK for your test, it will be carried out by an experienced team with the very best cardiac facilities, expertise and support available.
With HCA UK, your safety always comes first.
Our patient stories
A simple heart screening revealed Mahmoud’s tumour
At 55, Mahmoud had never felt fitter. The orthodontist from northwest London enjoyed daily exercise classes and a range of sports. It was only when a relative was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease that his wife suggested he arrange a routine heart health check-up.
“Mr Bahrami and his team were very thorough. There was a lot of preparation to ensure my safety.”
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