Consultation

During a consultation, the cardiologist will discuss with you the reason for your visit, your history, complaints and medication you are taking, any examinations that have already taken place, In addition to a clinical examination, an ECG will always be taken. Depending on the reason for your visit and investigations already carried out, additional investigations such as blood tests, exercise tests and echocardiograms will be carried out on site. Afterwards, the cardiologist will discuss the results with you and, if necessary, draw up a treatment plan or arrange further examinations for you.

Electrocardiogram

The ECG records the electrical activity that causes the heart muscle to contract and pump blood through the body. To do this, electrodes are stuck to specific places on the skin or suction electrodes are used. An ECG is painless and risk-free and gives the cardiologist a lot of information about e.g. heart rhythm.

Echocardiography

During echocardiography, sound waves are used to examine the structure and function of the heart muscle. This gives the cardiologist a picture of the dimensions of the heart muscle, the heart valves, the pressures in the heart, etc. For this examination, you lie on your left side and the cardiologist sits on your left or right. This examination is harmless and painless. An echocardiogram takes about 10 minutes on average.

Exercise test

Often, your cardiologist will ask you to perform a cycling test on a type of exercise bike. During this test, ECG electrodes will be placed on your back and chest to follow the ECG trace during exercise. Your blood pressure will be measured. During the test, the resistance at which you cycle will increase every minute until you can go no further, or until the function laboratory determines an abnormality and asks you to stop. After the peak effort, you will have to continue cycling for a few minutes. The ECG and blood pressure will then also be monitored. This test takes about 20 minutes. You do not need to be sober for this test.

24- or 72-hour holter monitoring

If your cardiologist wants an idea of your heart rhythm over a longer period of time, a 24-hour holter may be chosen. Through a few electrodes stuck to the skin, the heart rhythm will be recorded over 24 hours. The skin electrodes are connected by small cables to a small container (battery and computer), which can easily be slipped into e.g. a pocket. When you wear the holter, you do your normal activities (including sports, etc.) and will be asked to keep a diary. In it you will note your activities and any complaints you have had (e.g. feeling of skips, pains, drains, etc.). After 24 hours, you will return the box to your cardiologist so that the holter can be read. Your cardiologist will then discuss the result with you.

24-hour blood pressure monitoring

If your cardiologist wants to get an idea of your blood pressure outside the consultation room, a 24-hour blood pressure monitoring can be chosen. To do this, you will wear a blood pressure cuff for 24 hours, connected via a small tube to a small container (battery and computer), which can be easily tucked away. The cuff will inflate several times a day to measure your blood pressure. It will also inflate at night, but this will not prevent you from sleeping. When wearing the blood pressure monitor, you will do your normal activities (including sports, etc.) and will be asked to keep a diary. In it you will note your activities and any complaints you have had (e.g. feeling of skips, pains, drains, etc.). After 24 hours, you will return the box with the cuff to your cardiologist so that the blood pressure meter can be read. Your cardiologist will discuss the result with you afterwards.