Cardiac Examination in Germany

Cardiac examination in Germany is comprehensive cardiovascular system diagnostics with state-of-the-art equipment. German cardiology centers specialize in detecting coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart defects, and cardiomyopathies.

When Heart Examination is Needed

Cardiac examination is recommended for the following symptoms and risk factors:

• Chest pain — pressing, especially during exertion;
• Shortness of breath — during physical activity or at rest;
• Heart rhythm disturbances — palpitations, skipped beats;
• Leg swelling — in the evening, ankle area;
• High blood pressure — arterial hypertension;
• Family history — heart attacks, strokes in relatives;
• Risk factors — smoking, diabetes, overweight.

Cardiac Diagnostic Methods

• Resting and stress ECG;
• Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG);
• Echocardiography (heart ultrasound);
• Stress echocardiography;
• Bicycle ergometry and treadmill test;
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring;
• CT coronary angiography;
• Cardiac MRI;
• Invasive coronary angiography.

ECG and Holter Monitoring

ECG — records electrical heart activity. Detects arrhythmias, ischemia, heart attack.

Holter monitoring — continuous ECG recording for 24-72 hours to detect episodic rhythm disturbances.

Echocardiography

Heart ultrasound shows:

• Heart chamber sizes;
• Wall thickness and mobility;
• Valve function;
• Ejection fraction (pumping capacity);
• Heart defects.

Stress Tests

• Bicycle ergometry — ECG during cycling;
• Treadmill test — ECG while walking;
• Stress echo — heart ultrasound before/after exercise;
• Stress MRI — with pharmacological stress;
• Myocardial scintigraphy — heart perfusion assessment.

Coronary Angiography

Gold standard for CHD diagnostics:

• CT coronary angiography — non-invasive, without catheterization;
• Invasive coronary angiography — with possible immediate stent implantation.

Examination Programs

• Basic Cardio (1 day) — ECG, Echo, blood tests, cardiologist;
• Extended (2 days) — + ergometry, Holter, vascular ultrasound;
• Complete (3 days) — + CT coronary angiography or stress MRI.

Cardiac Examination Costs