Cardiological diagnostics: overview of examination methods

Heart problems manifest themselves in many different ways. Although most symptoms are not immediately life-threatening, they should nevertheless be examined promptly to rule out serious illnesses and enable early treatment if necessary.

Cardiological diagnosis is particularly important if the following signs are present:

• Cardiac arrhythmias such as palpitations or palpitations
• unexplained attacks of dizziness or repeated episodes of impending unconsciousness
• New onset of breathlessness during physical activity
• Recurrent tightness or chest pressure during physical exertion
• Chest pain after infections
• Swollen ankles in conjunction with shortness of breath at night and rapid weight gain

Cardiological diagnostics are also useful for risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated blood lipid levels, diabetes or a family history (e.g. heart attacks in parents or siblings). A cardiological examination is also recommended for those returning to sport after the age of 35.

Cardiological diagnostics in Munich are able to detect a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. It plays a particularly important role in these disease groups:

The basic examinations include:

• Diseases of the coronary arteries (e.g. coronary heart disease, angina pectoris)
• Vascular diseases and circulatory disorders (e.g. arteriosclerosis, vasoconstriction)
• Heart valve diseases (e.g. aortic valve insufficiency, mitral valve insufficiency or stenosis)
• Cardiac muscle diseases (e.g. myocarditis, heart failure, cardiomyopathies)
• Pericardial and endocardial diseases (e.g. pericarditis, pericardial effusion, endocarditis)
• Congenital or acquired structural heart changes (e.g. septal defects, valve anomalies)

In the case of cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles, tachycardia or bradycardia, cardiological diagnostics show whether the heart is the cause or whether other triggers are behind it. In addition, cardiological diagnostics help to identify and assess risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes-related heart changes and the consequences of long-term stress or family strain.

The process of cardiological diagnostics in Munich

If you take advantage of our practice's offer, you can expect a thorough cardiac examination which, depending on your symptoms, may include various components. It always begins with anamnesis, a detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history. This is followed by a physical cardiological examination, including listening to your heart and lungs, as well as measuring your pulse and blood pressure. We will then decide together which further diagnostic methods are appropriate.

The next step in the heart examination in Munich is often a resting ECG, which measures the electrical activity of your heart at rest. In the case of arrhythmia, stress ECGs or long-term measurements are also used. Cardiological diagnostics can also include imaging procedures that provide information about the function and structure of your heart valves and heart vessels. In addition to ultrasound examinations of the heart, this also includes modern procedures such as 3D echo, which enables a particularly detailed and spatial visualisation of the heart structures.

During a cardiac catheterisation, cardiological diagnostics can often be combined with immediate treatment. This is the case, for example, when cardiological functional diagnostics in Munich reveal a significant narrowing or blockage of a vessel. Further imaging techniques such as MRI or sonography complement our diagnostic spectrum.

Cardiological diagnostics generally do not require any extensive preparation. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, as this makes the physical examination and technical measurements easier. In some cases, it may be advisable to avoid caffeinated drinks or nicotine for a short time, as these stimulants can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. If preparatory measures are required for the cardiological diagnostics, we will discuss these with you in advance.

Most results are available immediately after the examination; only long-term measurements require a few days for evaluation. Once the cardiological diagnostics are complete, we will discuss the results with you and provide a clear recommendation for further action. Cardiologial diagnostics are not painful.

Framework conditions for cardiological diagnostics in Munich

If you are publicly insured, you will need a referral from your GP for diagnostic tests with us. This serves, firstly, as proof that cardiological functional diagnostics are medically necessary and urgent. Secondly, without a referral, there may be problems with the health insurance provider covering the costs. Privately insured patients can often use cardiological diagnostics in Munich without this formality. However, for reimbursement, medical indications for cardiological diagnostics are still required.

Would you like to have your cardiological diagnostics carried out by us and have questions about examination methods, organisational procedures or the required documents? Please get in touch with us and we will clarify everything else in a personal consultation.