ECG – resting 12 channel electrocardiogram
ABOUT THE EXAMINATION: This examination comprises the analysis of electric current produced by the heart. The ECG exam is designed to detect heart rhythm abnormalities (e.g. atrial fibrillation), heart blocks, heart hypertrophy and ischemia. In most cases it enables diagnosis of myocardial infarction – both recent and previous. It is a crucial element of the syncope, chest pains, bradycardia or dyspnoea diagnostics. It is performed when there is a suspicion of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism, or there is a need for pacemaker control. The advantage of an electrocardiogram is the short duration of the examination, its repeatability and non-invasiveness.
HOW TO PREPARE: This examination does not require any special preparation from the patient. It may be useful to bring the previous examination result to compare it with the recent one.
ECHO – transthoracic ultrasonocardiographic examination
ABOUT THE EXAMINATION: It is the most common method of vital imaging of the heart. The examination is non-invasive and does not require ionising radiation nor injecting intravenous contrast containing iodine. With the use of harmless ultrasounds it enables imaging of the heart and main vessels (aorta, pulmonary artery, inferior vena cava). It is used in detecting cardiac contractile defects, abnormal structure and function of the cardiac valves, congenital and acquired heart defects, heart hypertrophy, aortic aneurysm, pericardial effusion. It also helps to assess atrial and right ventricular pressure. It is a basic examination performed on patients with cardiac insufficiency, chest pains and arrhythmia. It can initially confirm pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension. It allows to detect some of the complications of arterial hypertension. It is also recommended to: family members of people suffering of hereditary diseases of the vascular system (e.g. arterial pulmonary hypertension, cardiomyopathies); people performing specific professions (sportsmen, pilots); people awaiting treatment which could harm the heart (chemiotherapy, serious surgical treatment on high risk patients).
HOW TO PREPARE: This examination does not require any special preparation from the patient. It may be useful to bring the previous examination result to compare it with the recent one.
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cardiology