Department of Cardiology

Cardiology - Outpatient Services

• Consultation with a cardiologist
• Electrocardiography with 12 standard leads
• Transthoracic echocardiography
• 24-hour ECG monitoring using the Holter method
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
• Exercise stress test (treadmill)
• Laboratory tests

The Cardiology Department is equipped with the state-of-the-art TOSHIBA ARTIDA 4D echocardiograph. This expert-class digital cardiovascular system processes large volumes of data at high speed, necessary for real-time creation of high-definition 4D images for complex, detailed examinations. With the use of WMT (Wall Motion Tracking) technology, it is possible to observe the movement of the heart walls in three dimensions. The examination time using this equipment is significantly reduced.

24-hour ECG monitoring (Holter method):
This allows for the examination of patients with potential arrhythmic symptoms, syncope episodes (fainting), organic heart pathologies, bradyarrhythmias, AV conduction disturbances, etc.

24-hour arterial blood pressure monitoring:
This provides information on blood pressure variation during nighttime (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM), including whether there is a decrease in systolic blood pressure (normal, insufficient, excessive, nocturnal hypertension); the morning increase in systolic blood pressure (4:00 AM - 10:00 AM); variability of systolic blood pressure; and the effects of the nervous system on blood pressure. This helps to determine the degree of hypertension for adequate treatment and assess the effectiveness of already prescribed treatment.

Electrocardiography (12 standard leads):
A simple yet crucial diagnostic procedure, it records the myocardial's summative transmembrane potentials. It helps detect significant disturbances such as arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, extrasystole, paroxysmal tachycardia...), conduction abnormalities (SA, AV block, right and left bundle branch block, WPW syndrome, Frederick's syndrome). It is also informative for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) (angina, myocardial infarction), etc.

Exercise Stress Test (Treadmill):
This involves a progressively increasing load while continuously monitoring subjective and objective symptoms, ECG, and arterial pressure. It is used for the following purposes: diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), assessing disease severity (risk evaluation) in patients with established or suspected CAD, early risk assessment in patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction, and evaluating specific clinical populations based on identified gender, age, and other cardiac conditions or post-revascularization.

Cardiology at "Todua Clinic" – Common Diseases

1. Coronary Artery Disease – Arteries supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. Sometimes, coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked. This often leads to chest pain and, in the long term, may result in a heart attack.

2. Heart Failure – This condition develops when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.

3. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – High blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of stroke and other health issues. Delayed diagnosis can make such problems difficult to treat.

4. Arrhythmia – Treatment for heart disease begins by assessing the heart's rhythm. Arrhythmia refers to a condition where the heart beats irregularly, either too fast or too slow. There are several types of arrhythmia: bradycardia (slow heartbeat), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), irregular arrhythmia (skipped beats), and atrial fibrillation (fluttering arrhythmia).

5. Valvular Disease – Valvular disease, also known as heart valve malfunction, is a congenital or acquired condition that involves changes in the anatomical structure and function of the heart valves.

6. Cardiomyopathy – A group of heart muscle diseases that weaken the heart and impair its ability to pump blood effectively.
   Heart disease treatment at "Todua Clinic" is provided by cardiologists who thoroughly study your condition and offer a tailored treatment plan based on your needs.

7. Aortic Aneurysm – The expansion of the blood vessel wall, which damages the elastic fibers of the aorta. In such cases, the fibrous tissue does not fully return to its original state after the heart contracts. X-rays are typically used to diagnose an aneurysm. Cardiology considers this disease one of the most dangerous heart conditions.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Heart disease treatment is a complex process, which is why early consultation with a cardiologist is crucial.

The following symptoms should prompt you to seek medical help:

• Discomfort and Pain in the Chest Area – If you experience persistent discomfort in the chest, especially accompanied by tightness or pressure-like sensations, this could be a warning sign of angina or an impending heart attack.

• Shortness of Breath – Unexplained wheezing, especially during light activities or rest, may indicate heart failure. A cardiologist will assess heart function in the presence of such symptoms.

• Swelling in the Legs – Swelling in the legs and feet may indicate heart failure, as the weakened heart struggles to pump blood effectively.

• High Blood Pressure – Persistently high blood pressure is a risk factor for various heart-related problems. A cardiologist can assist in managing hypertension and reducing the risks of other cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease treatment is virtually impossible without controlling blood pressure.

• Excessively Fast or Slow Heart Rate – A slow (bradycardia) or consistently rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) is a sign of arrhythmia. Arrhythmia weakens the heart's ability to pump blood, which can lead to heart failure over time. Often, arrhythmia also interferes with the blood clotting process. Timely diagnosis and lifestyle changes can significantly improve the patient’s condition.

Cardiology is one of the leading fields of medicine, and at "Todua Clinic," consultations for heart diseases are provided by specialists with extensive experience.