Functional cardiac diagnostics
A wide range of diagnostic tests provide a comprehensive examination of the patient’s heart and blood circulation, ranging from the very simplest test to complicated contemporary methods involving the use of the very latest technology.
ECG provides a graphic electronic image of cardio potential, which helps to ascertain the state and function of the myocardium. It is used to determine various latent heart problems.
Test to be conducted: on patients with chest pain, serious heart rhythm problems, enlarged individual sections of the heart and other problems.
A physical stress test with electrocardiogram registration that makes it possible to assess the patient’s physical fitness. The stress test is conducted on a specially equipped bike similar to those you see in the gym. Veloergometry apparatus is available that allow athletes to conduct a stress test using the bike they use for personal training and competition.
Test to be conducted: on patients complaining of pain in the area of the heart, as well as on patients with a pre-existing heart ailment, in order to assess the effectiveness of treatment, risk factors and prognosis.
This stress test simultaneously assesses the function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems, which make it possible to determine the patient’s overall physical working capabilities and the reasons why they are restricted. During the complex stress test, various indicators are analysed, which make it possible to assess the reaction of the body’s most important systems to stress and how they adapt to it. A complex stress test usually takes about 30–45 minutes. This is dependent on the person’s stamina and degree of physical fitness.
This test helps to identify signs of heart disease, as well as heart rhythm and rate disorders. Holter monitoring provides 18−24 hour ECG recordings with computerised processing and helps to assess how severe heart ailments are and the need for treatment. Holter monitoring is conducted by attaching electrodes to the patient’s chest, which are connected to a small reading device. The device is easy to use and does not hamper the patient’s daily activities.
This test can be performed on young patients who occasionally complain of having a fast pulse, athletes, as well as elderly patients with a history of heart disease.
A test that makes it possible to assess the state of blood vessels in order to determine appropriate treatment. CT not only provides information about the condition of arteries, but also about heart cavities, heart wells, and heart ventricles, etc. This is a painless method that makes it possible to assess the risk of illness and to make forecasts without subjecting the patient to invasive procedures.
Test to be conducted on patients with unusual chest pain syndrome, for stent monitoring, as well as after unsuccessful invasive coronarograms.
A harmless and painless ultrascan examination method that provides extensive information about the heart’s structure and its functional state.
Test to be conducted: EchocG helps to identify congenital or subsequently obtained heart ailments. An echocardiogram can be performed at any age, including on the very youngest patients.
In cases in which it is suspected that a pregnant woman’s foetus may have a heart pathology, the performance of a foetal echocardiogram is recommended. This is a harmless ultrascan test that helps to determine the anatomy and functioning of the foetus’s heart. During the examination, it is possible to assess heart cavities, ventricles, rhythm and blood flow indicators through valves, arteries and veins. The optimal time to perform a foetal echocardiogram is during weeks 18-20 of pregnancy.
Check-up programmes combine a range of prophylactic tests. In conducting a comprehensive health check for prophylactic purposes, it is possible to determine risks and reduce them, preventing the further spread of disease. The content of the cardio programme will be individually devised for each patient, in accordance with the patient’s age, gender, state of health, lifestyle and habits. The basic programme consists of at least the following steps:
If necessary, the programme is augmented with other specialised cardiac tests.
TREATMENT OF CARDIAC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN
We offer consultative and medical treatment assistance for patients from birth up to the age of 18 years at the CHILDREN’S CLINICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL.
Transvasal operations are a minimally invasive method that makes it possible to perform an operation without surgical intervention. The operation is performed with the help of a catheter. This method significantly reduces the patient’s recovery period (from several weeks to a few days). Transvasal operations are used to correct congenital heart ailments such as pulmonary artery valve stenosis, aortic valve stenosis, aortic coarctation, atrial septal defects, open arterial vessel, muscular ventricular septal defects, pulmonary artery narrowing, and pulmonary artery valve prosthetics, etc.
Using artificial blood circulation technology, the functions of the heart and lungs can temporarily be undertaken artificial blood circulation apparatus, in order for it to be possible to perform the required manipulations safely and precisely. It is possible to conduct operations such as ventricular septal defect closure, anomalous pulmonary vein drainage correction, Fallot tetrad correction, AVSD correction, double outlet right ventricle, transposition of great arteries, etc.
Without using artificial blood circulation apparatus, it is also possible to conduct manipulations such as aortic coarctation and hybrid operations in cases of left ventricle hypoplasia etc.
Pacemaker implants are performed for children with congenital heart rhythm ailments. In addition, pacemaker telemonitoring is also conducted.
When should you visit a cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a physician, who diagnoses cardiovascular diseases, as well as provides advice to patients with arrhythmias, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, loss of consciousness (fainting during exercise), if the patient’s family has congenital heart problems, as well as in cases of other heart diseases.There are several signals when you need to go to a cardiologist – feeling painful pain behind the sternum, feeling short of breath (shortness of breath), feeling palpitations and in cases of high blood pressure.
What are the most common cardiovascular diseases?
The most typical cardiovascular diseases are: coronary heart disease (chronic changes in blood vessels), atherosclerosis (cholesterol build-up in the walls of blood vessels), angina (pain in the heart area), myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmia (arrhythmia), high blood pressure (above 140/90 mmHg) or arterial hypertension, stroke (cerebrovascular disease), heart failure (inability of the muscle to pump blood) and heart valve disease. Cardiology and cardiologists help to diagnose and treat these symptoms.
What causes cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular disease often develops gradually over a number of years. They can also be inherited, but numerous risk factors contribute to the development of diseases (e.g. smoking, high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol and alcohol consumption, etc.). Many cardiovascular diseases can be treated successfully, but it is important to recognize the symptoms and keep track of your health. Cooperation with a cardiologist and timely diagnosis of the disease is particularly important.
What diagnostic examinations are conducted in cases of heart disease?
To clarify the diagnosis, the cardiologist may designate additional diagnostic tests like: blood tests – measuring both cholesterol and sugar levels, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, Holter monitoring (24h ECG recording), physical endurance test – bicycle ergometry, cardiopulmonary exercise test, blood pressure monitoring and computed tomography coronarography.
How does a cardiologist’s visit take place?
During the first consultation, the cardiologist will listen to the patient, discuss the potential diagnosis and designate the additional examinations required. The doctor can also provide detailed answers to the patient’s question and draw up the necessary treatment program.
How much does a visit to a cardiologist cost?
The price of a consultation will depend on the chosen institution and doctor, as well as from the additional services required. Usually, the price of a visit to a specialist will start from EUR 40, but the patient should bear in mind that additional examinations may be required. For example, echocardiography can cost EUR 50 or more, will the price of bicycle ergometry starts from EUR 45.
Are cardiologists available for children?
Yes. Latvia’s cardiologists are experienced professionals, who have served as interns at many foreign university hospitals. Extensive diagnostic options are available for both adults and children, starting from infancy. High level cardio surgery for children is also available in Latvia. At the BCUS Cardiology Clinic, an average of 200 heart operations are performed on children annually. Latvia’s cardiologists work in close collaboration with foreign clinics.
Where can I find contact information to ask a question?
If the question is general, it is best to ask it here on our website by filling out the form. This way, your question will reach everyone who provides the relevant service, and you will receive the most comprehensive answer. If you have additional questions, send an e-mail to: info@healthtravellatvia.lv or call +372 29214868.
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We unite over 40 leading clinics, hospitals, centres and service providers.
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Duntes iela 15a, Ziemeļu rajons, Riga, LV-1005
Lana Kutisceva
+371 26342853
lana.kutisceva@vc4.lv
Skolas iela 5, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1010
Dzeina Cine
+371 29126646
dzeina.cine@gmail.com
Baznīcas iela 18, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1010
+371 25418181; +371 24882445
roberts@dr-feders.lv
linda@dr-feders.lv
Pilsoņu iela 13, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Riga, LV-1002
Karolina Baumane
karolina.baumane@stradini.lv
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