Heart and blood vessels

Echocardiography or a cardiac ultrasound is a cardiac (work) examination performed on the surface of the chest to assess the size of the heart cavities and chambers, the function of the heart valves, left ventricular function and myocardial contractility, sites of infarction and ischemic lesions in the regions of the heart, the presence of blood clots in the heart cavities and changes in the heart due to blood pressure.

The examination can be used to diagnose (congenital) heart problems, the presence, extent and location of an infarction lesion as well as the presence of fluid and its resulting complications in the pericardium.

Echocardiography is also helpful for more accurate monitoring of prosthetic valves, intracardiac thrombi, etc.

The need for the examination is decided by a cardiologist at the consultation. A family physician can also refer the patient to this examination and when the referral is available, we perform the examination. With a referral from a family physician, the examination is free of charge. The family physician who referred you for the examination will pay for it through the Health Insurance Fund. The visit fee is 5 euros.

How is the examination performed?

• Before the examination, you can eat and drink as usual and take your daily medication.
• The examination is painless.
• During echocardiography, you have to lie on your back or left side.
• The sensor of the ultrasound device is placed on the chest.

With a referral from a family doctor, the ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography) is free for you. The family physician who referred you for the examination will pay for it through the Health Insurance Fund.

The examination results are evaluated by the referring doctor. In the absence of a referral letter, we recommend booking an appointment to interpret the test results.