Examination: Heart Package (Basic and Extended)

If you are experiencing symptoms of heart valve disease, you may benefit from a heart examination, which can help to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. 

The symptoms of heart valve disease depend on the type of condition you have. The most common symptom is shortness of breath. You may also experience a fever lasting more than five days, joint and muscle pain, headaches, weight loss, chest pain, unexplained tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell. 

Only the exercise stress test (bike test) requires preparation: To ensure the test is successful, it is important that:

• You have not smoked in the last 2 hours before the test.
• You have not eaten a large meal within 2 hours of the test. However, you may have a piece of bread, some fruit, and a cup of tea or coffee.
• You have preferably not taken any nitroglycerine preparations in the two hours before the examination.
• Your footwear and clothing are suitable for cycling.

We offer two different heart examinations, both of which include a consultation, blood pressure measurement, an echocardiogram and, if necessary, blood tests. 

The Basic Heart Package also includes either an echocardiogram or an exercise stress test.

The Extended Heart Package includes both an echocardiogram and an exercise stress test.

In addition, we offer the following supplementary examinations:

• Holter monitoring, event ECG or R-test
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring.

The examinations are carried out by a cardiologist and a nurse. 

A cardiac examination is expected to take approximately 45 minutes in total.

Exercise stress test (bike test)

The purpose of the examination is to assess your physical performance, your heart rate, your blood pressure and any symptoms you may experience during physical exertion. The examination may also reveal whether further investigation of your heart is necessary.

The examination begins with a consultation with a cardiologist. You will then cycle on an exercise bike with a gradually increasing resistance. At the same time, an electrocardiogram will be recorded using electrodes placed on your chest.  The examination is carried out with your upper body bare. 

To ensure the examination is successful, it is important:

• You have not smoked in the last 2 hours before the test.
• You have not eaten a large meal within 2 hours of the test. However, you may have a piece of bread, some fruit, and a cup of tea or coffee.
• You have preferably not taken any nitroglycerine preparations in the two hours before the examination.
• Your footwear and clothing are suitable for cycling.

Echocardiography – an ultrasound scan of the heart

An ultrasound scan provides a clear image of the heart, allowing the heart valves and its pumping function to be assessed. No preparation is required for this examination. The examination is carried out whilst lying on your left side with your upper body bare. The cardiologist will apply a small amount of gel to the skin around the heart area and uses an ultrasound probe to scan your heart.

We hope that this information answers some of the questions you or your relatives may have. This information is not intended to replace a face-to-face discussion. You are always welcome to ask questions.