For Patients
Useful information and description of cardiological examinations
Information
Please bring with you:
- Health insurance card
- Updated list of medications
- If a stress ECG is scheduled, comfortable clothing and shoes. There is the option to freshen up.
Cancellation Policy
In case of impediment, please notify us promptly.
If you cannot attend your appointment, please cancel by phone at least 24 hours in advance. Other patients on the waiting list will be grateful.
Cardiological Examinations
Description of examinations offered in our practice
Resting ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Ten electrodes detect the heart's electrical impulses for approximately five minutes. The recorded trace provides information on possible rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) or blood supply problems of the heart.
Stress ECG (Ergometry)
As with the resting ECG, the heart's electrical impulses are recorded; in addition, blood pressure and heart rate are measured multiple times. The exam lasts about 20 minutes. Measurements are taken initially at rest and then under progressive exertion (on a cycle ergometer). This allows detection of circulation, blood pressure or heart rhythm disorders triggered by physical activity.
Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound)
Using an ultrasound probe, both the pumping function (strength) of the heart muscle and the functionality of the heart valves are analysed. Evaluation of the contractile capacity of different heart sections can provide indications of current or past circulatory disorders (myocardial infarction). The exam lasts approximately 25-30 minutes.
Holter ECG (24-hour Electrocardiogram)
Six electrodes detect the heart's electrical impulses for 24 hours. The patient carries the recorder and keeps a diary, so that any symptoms (e.g. palpitations, dizziness) can be compared with the recorded traces. The purpose is to identify rhythm disorders, chronotropic profile, and heart rate variability during daily life.
Long-term ECG (R-Test, 7-day ECG)
Five electrodes detect the heart's electrical impulses for seven days. This can be continuous (7-day ECG) or via manual activation by the patient (R-Test) when symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness occur. The patient keeps a diary to correlate symptoms with the recorded traces.
Pacemaker (PM) and Defibrillator (ICD) Check
A resting ECG is performed. Simultaneously, a transmission device is placed on the chest that sends pacemaker/defibrillator data to a control device for analysis. If necessary, the device functions can be adjusted. The exam lasts approximately 10-20 minutes.
24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
Blood pressure is measured for 24 hours using a portable monitor and an arm cuff: twice per hour during the day and once per hour during the night. The patient records activities in a diary. The goal is to measure blood pressure values during daily life and nighttime rest to analyse the 24-hour blood pressure profile.
5-7 Day Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure is measured for 5 or 7 days using a wrist bracelet. The algorithm uses an optical reading of the arterial wave, without an inflating cuff. Measurements are constant day and night. Reliability is good except during physical activity. The goal is to measure blood pressure values over a longer period, analysing daily variability without the discomfort of a cuff.