What is a cardiological examination?

A cardiological examination is a critical step to rule out, diagnose, or monitor a disorder of cardiac character. Beyond patients with known cardiovascular diseases, a cardiologist can diagnose whether symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope, dizziness, and palpitations are linked with disorders of cardiac nature. 

 

What is the purpose of a cardiological examination?

A cardiological examination is useful to diagnose and treat major cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, diseases of the heart valves, or to follow up on patients with prosthetic valves.

 

How is a cardiological examination carried out?

The doctor will initially gather information about the history and lifestyle of the patient, including nutrition, smoking habits, physical activity level and physical inactivity, pathologies, family history of heart disease, and prescribed medication. The doctor will then proceed by checking the heart and blood pressure of the patient.
The examination lasts about 15-30 minutes and can also include an electrocardiogram, depending on the patient. The execution of the electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart, can determine or exclude the presence of coronary pathologies, changes in the heart volume, or cardiac rhythm disorders such as arrhythmias, fibrillation and extrasystoles.

 

Are there any guidelines for preparation?

There are no standards for preparation, the patient is only asked to bring along any tests carried out at the request of the doctor.