Diagnostic procedures

Various procedures are available for the diagnosis of cardiac diseases.

The electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac ultrasound, blood analyses and stress tests are among the most frequently performed examinations.

Diagnostic procedures

Various procedures are available for the diagnosis of cardiac diseases.

The electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac ultrasound, blood analyses and stress tests are among the most frequently performed examinations.

Non-invasive diagnostics

Non-invasive diagnostic procedures enable comprehensive cardiac analysis without invasive access to the body. These methods are particularly gentle on patients and provide valuable information for the early detection and assessment of heart disease.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple and painless examination in which the electrical activity of the heart is measured. Small electrodes are attached to the skin, usually on the chest, arms and legs. The ECG shows how regularly and at what speed the heart beats and helps to detect cardiac arrhythmia or other heart problems at an early stage.

With the long-term ECG, the heart rate and heart rhythm are recorded for a maximum of 10 days. The extended recording period can make it possible to detect intermittent arrhythmias.

Various devices can be used for this purpose. A new generation of devices makes an almost unrestricted everyday life possible (showering, doing sports, swimming). The evaluation and discussion of the examination results takes place in the cardiac clinic.

Ergometry, also known as exercise ECG, measures physical performance while simultaneously monitoring various heart functions using an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Exercise is performed on a cycle ergometer in accordance with a previously selected, individually adapted exercise protocol.
The aim is to achieve peak exercise capacity. The heart rate curve is continuously recorded and at the same time blood pressure, pulse, heart rhythm and frequency, as well as performance and oxygen saturation are measured. The exercise usually lasts 8-12 minutes.

In spiroergometry, cardiac activity under stress is recorded in the same way as in ergometry. In addition, with the help of a well-fitting mask, the air inhaled and exhaled is also examined. This enables additional measurements such as maximum oxygen uptake.

This type of examination is used to evaluate the integrative performance of the cardiovascular system and the lungs.

Another method of assessing patients’ resilience is to carry out a 6-minute walking test.

This is an easy-to-implement test in which the distance walked is measured over 6 minutes. This provides information on physical limitations in everyday life, the course of the disease or the success of a therapy.

During the pulmonary function test, the lung and respiratory volume and the inhalation and exhalation rate are measured while the patient breathes into a spirometer via a mouthpiece.
This examination is carried out at our clinic, particularly preoperatively on patients who require intubation anesthesia.

A 24-hour blood pressure measurement is used if the blood pressure behavior is to be recorded over a longer period of time in the patient’s normal daily environment.

The blood pressure cuff is worn on the arm for the entire period and measurements are triggered at a predefined time interval. The evaluation and discussion of the examination results takes place in the heart clinic.

Taking a blood sample to assess central organ systems. Among other parameters, blood lipids (cholesterol), blood sugar levels and kidney function are checked.

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a simple and painless examination in which the electrical activity of the heart is measured. Small electrodes are attached to the skin, usually on the chest, arms and legs. The ECG shows how regularly and strongly the heart beats and helps to detect cardiac arrhythmias or other heart problems at an early stage.

With the long-term ECG, the heart rate and heart rhythm are recorded for a maximum of 10 days. The extended recording period can make it possible to detect intermittent arrhythmias.

Various devices can be used for this purpose. A new generation of devices makes everyday life possible with almost no restrictions. (showering, doing sports, swimming). The evaluation and discussion of the examination results takes place in the cardiac clinic.

Ergometry, also known as exercise ECG, measures physical performance while simultaneously monitoring various bodily functions using an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Exercise is performed on a bicycle ergometer according to a previously selected, individually adapted exercise protocol.
The aim is to achieve peak exercise capacity. Blood pressure, pulse, heart rhythm and heart rate, as well as performance and oxygen saturation are measured. The exercise usually lasts 8-12 minutes.

In spiroergometry, cardiac activity under stress is recorded in the same way as in ergometry. In addition, with the help of a well-fitting mask, the air inhaled and exhaled is also examined. This enables additional measurements such as maximum oxygen uptake.

This type of examination is used to evaluate the integrative performance of the cardiovascular system and the lungs.

Another method of assessing patients’ resilience is to carry out a 6-minute walking test.

This is an easy-to-implement test in which the distance walked is measured over 6 minutes. This provides information on physical limitations in everyday life, the course of the disease or the success of a therapy.

During the pulmonary function test, the lung and respiratory volume and the inhalation and exhalation rate are measured while the patient breathes into a spirometer via a mouthpiece.
This examination is carried out at our clinic, particularly preoperatively on patients who require intubation anesthesia.

Taking a blood sample to assess central organ systems. Among other parameters, blood lipids (cholesterol), blood sugar levels and kidney function are checked.

Cardiac Imaging

Imaging procedures provide a more precise insight into the structure and function of the heart. In addition to ultrasound examinations (TTE, TEE, 3D special examinations), computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or radionuclide procedures (SPECT/PET) provide important information on a variety of clinical pictures. Our doctors have proven expertise (EACVI Level III) and many years of experience in all cardiac imaging procedures.

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a painless and non-invasive ultrasound examination of the heart. It makes it possible to visualize the function and structure of the heart in real time.

During the examination, the patient lies on an examination table. An ultrasound probe is used to examine the heart at various points in the chest and abdomen. To improve the image quality, a cool gel is applied to the ultrasound probe. TTE can be used to assess the heart valves, the blood flow in various vessels, the heart’s pump function, the size of the heart chambers and possible wall movement disorders.

Ultrasound examination via the esophagus is used for a more detailed assessment of certain structures, in particular the heart valves.

This ultrasound method often produces a significantly better image quality for the structures mentioned. The patient swallows a tube with an ultrasound probe. Anesthesia of the throat and a sedative medication (sedation, light anesthesia) enable a gentle examination that is not felt by the patient.

For a three-dimensional representation and analysis of the heart, the entire heart is captured and displayed using special 3D echoes.

3D technology is used in particular in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for high-precision diagnostics of complex structures and for planning operations and interventions.

Radionuclide Imaging uses low-level radioactive “contrast agents” (so-called radionuclide tracers) to visualize structures, functions or even individual molecules in the heart. Scintigraphy is most commonly used to assess cardiac perfusion in cases of suspected coronary heart disease. Other areas of application include viability assessment (detection of living heart muscle cells in scar areas), inflammatory processes of the heart muscle or heart valves, as well as the detection of protein deposits in the heart muscle (so-called amyloidosis).

Computed tomography (CT) produces cross-sectional images of the heart, in which the coronary arteries (coronary vessels) with possible stenosis and the exact anatomy of the heart valves can be recorded. In many cases, a cardiac CT scan enables coronary heart disease to be ruled out without the need for invasive coronary angiography. This method is also used to plan interventions and operations for valvular heart disease

The imaging procedure of magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI) makes it possible to obtain a comprehensive picture of the anatomy and functioning of the heart, for example in the case of diseases of the heart muscle, without exposure to radiation. An MRI contrast agent can also be used to obtain an image of the heart’s blood flow (provides indirect indications of the presence of coronary heart disease). In addition, scarring of the heart muscle (e.g. after a heart attack or myocarditis) can be visualized.

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a painless and non-invasive ultrasound examination of the heart. It makes it possible to visualize the function and structure of the heart in real time.

During the examination, the patient lies on an examination table. An ultrasound probe is used to examine the heart at various points in the chest and abdomen. To improve the image quality, a cool gel is applied to the ultrasound probe. TTE can be used to assess the heart valves, the blood flow in various vessels, the heart’s pump function, the size of the heart chambers and possible wall movement disorders.

Ultrasound examination via the esophagus is used for a more detailed assessment of certain structures, in particular the heart valves.

This ultrasound method often produces a significantly better image quality for the structures mentioned. The patient swallows a tube with an ultrasound probe. Anesthesia of the throat and a sedative medication (sedation, light anesthesia) enable a gentle examination that is not felt by the patient.

For a three-dimensional representation and analysis of the heart, the entire heart is captured and displayed using special 3D echoes.

3D technology is used in particular in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for high-precision diagnostics of complex structures and for planning operations and interventions.

The special procedure of cardiac scintigraphy is used for the imaging analysis of the blood flow and vitality of the heart muscle, for example in coronary heart disease.

By simultaneously injecting low-level radioactive marker substances, cardiac function can be studied at rest and under stress and areas with insufficient blood flow can be identified.

Cardiac computed tomography is used for the non-invasive diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary or valvular heart disease.

Computed tomography of the heart produces cross-sectional images of the heart in which the calcification of the coronary arteries (coronary vessels) and the exact anatomy of the heart valves can be recorded. The result allows a statement to be made about the individual risk of a patient. This method is also used to plan interventions and operations for valvular heart disease

The non-invasive diagnostic method of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to obtain a comprehensive picture of the anatomy and functionality of the heart, for example in the case of diseases of the heart muscle, without exposure to radiation.

Depending on the situation, the result also allows a statement to be made regarding the risk of cardiac arrhythmia or a heart attack.

Invasive cardiac diagnostics

In addition to non-invasive functional diagnostics and imaging procedures, our specialists also use invasive methods to examine and treat heart disease.

Coronary angiography (cardiac catheterization) is an imaging procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries in order to make stenosis or occlusions visible.

During the examination, a contrast agent is injected into the coronary arteries via a thin catheter, which is usually inserted via the groin or wrist. At the same time, X-rays are taken to assess the blood flow in the heart.

Coronary angiography is used to diagnose coronary heart disease and is often the basis for further treatments such as stent implantation or bypass operations.

The right heart catheter is a medical examination in which the pressure in the right side of the heart and in the lungs is measured. It helps to assess the function of the heart and the blood pressure in the pulmonary vessels.

During the examination, a thin catheter is carefully inserted through a vein – usually in the neck or groin – into the right heart and pulmonary artery. There, pressures and the oxygen content of the blood are measured.

The examination is important in order to better assess cardiac insufficiency or pulmonary hypertension, for example.

Implantation loop recorders are used to record cardiac arrhythmias in the event of unconsciousness for which no cause has yet been found or for long-term monitoring of the heart rhythm. An event recorder is usually combined with remote monitoring. An ECG is automatically saved in the event of special events (unconsciousness, arrhythmia).

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis. The recorder is implanted under the skin in the area of the left rib cage through a small incision in the skin.

Coronary angiography (cardiac catheterization) is an imaging procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries in order to make stenosis or occlusions visible.

During the examination, a contrast agent is injected into the coronary arteries via a thin catheter, which is usually inserted via the groin or wrist. At the same time, X-rays are taken to assess the blood flow in the heart.

Coronary angiography is used to diagnose coronary heart disease and is often the basis for further treatments such as stent implantation or bypass operations.

The right heart catheter is a medical examination in which the pressure in the right side of the heart and in the lungs is measured. It helps to assess the function of the heart and the blood pressure in the pulmonary vessels.

During the examination, a thin catheter is carefully inserted through a vein – usually in the neck or groin – into the right heart and pulmonary artery. There, pressures and the oxygen content of the blood are measured.

The examination is important in order to better assess cardiac insufficiency or pulmonary hypertension, for example.

Implantation loop recorders are used to record cardiac arrhythmias in the event of unconsciousness for which no cause has yet been found or for long-term monitoring of the heart rhythm. An event recorder is usually combined with remote monitoring. An ECG is automatically saved in the event of special events (unconsciousness, arrhythmia).

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis. The recorder is implanted under the skin in the area of the left rib cage through a small incision in the skin.

Our specialists in cardiac diagnostics

Prof. Dr. med.

Prof. Dr. med.

Patric Biaggi

Patric Biaggi

Cardiology | Imaging

Cardiology | Imaging

DE – EN – FR – IT
DE – EN – FR – IT

Prof. Dr. med.

Prof. Dr. med.

Roberto Corti

Roberto Corti

Interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiology

DE – FR – IT – EN
DE – FR – IT – EN

Graduate doctor

Graduate doctor

Daniel Fritschi

Daniel Fritschi

Senior physician cardiology

Senior physician cardiology

DE – EN
DE – EN

Prof. Dr. med.

Prof. Dr. med.

Oliver Gämperli

Oliver Gämperli

Interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiology

DE – EN – FR – IT – ES
DE – EN – FR – IT – ES

Dr. med.

Dr. med.

Raffael Ghenzi

Raffael Ghenzi

Senior physician cardiology

Senior physician cardiology

DE – EN – FR – ES
DE – EN – FR – ES

PD Dr. med.

PD Dr. med.

David Hürlimann

David Hürlimann

Cardiology | Rhythmology

Cardiology | Rhythmology

DE – EN – FR
DE – EN – FR

Dr. med.

Dr. med.

Ioannis Kapos

Ioannis Kapos

Cardiology | Imaging

Cardiology | Imaging

DE – EN – GR
DE – EN – GR

Prof. Dr. med.

Prof. Dr. med.

Georg Noll

Georg Noll

Cardiology | Prevention

Cardiology | Prevention

DE – EN – FR – IT
DE – EN – FR – IT

Dr. med.

Dr. med.

Luca Oechslin

Luca Oechslin

Senior physician cardiology

Senior physician cardiology

DE – EN – IT
DE – EN – IT

Dr. med.

Dr. med.

Ivano Reho

Ivano Reho

Interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiology

DE – EN – IT – FR
DE – EN – IT – FR

Prof. Dr. med.

Prof. Dr. med.

Jan Steffel

Jan Steffel

Cardiology | Rhythmology

Cardiology | Rhythmology

DE – EN – FR
DE – EN – FR

Prof. Dr. med.

Prof. Dr. med.

Peter M. Wenaweser

Peter M. Wenaweser

Interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiology

DE – EN – FR – IT
DE – EN – FR – IT

Prof. Dr. med.

Prof. Dr. med.

Christophe Wyss

Christophe Wyss

Interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiology

DE – EN – FR
DE – EN – FR