Cardiology / We care about your heart!

Cardiology is the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and circulatory diseases. Cardiologists focus on conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Their goal is to detect heart problems early and provide individualized treatment.

You should consider a cardiology appointment if you experience:

• Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort

• Shortness of breath or reduced exercise tolerance

• Palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness

• Fainting spells

• Known risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or family history of heart disease

Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Exercise ECG (Stress Test)

• Long-term ECG monitoring (Holter)

• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring

• Echocardiography (heart ultrasound)

• Stress echocardiography

• Carotid duplex sonography

• Pacemaker and defibrillator checks

• Preventive check-up programs

Cardiology focuses on non-surgical diagnostics and treatment of heart diseases. Cardiac surgeons perform operations such as bypass surgery or valve replacement. In many cases, patients are first evaluated by a cardiologist, who may then refer them to a cardiac surgeon if needed.

During your first visit, the cardiologist will take a detailed medical history, ask about current symptoms, and review existing risk factors. Depending on your condition, initial examinations such as ECG or echocardiography may be performed. Based on the results, an individual treatment or preventive care plan will be developed.

Cardiology covers a wide range of conditions, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Coronary artery disease

• Cardiac arrhythmias

• Heart valve diseases

• Heart failure

• Arteriosclerosis

• Congenital and acquired heart defects

Prevention is a core focus. Regular check-ups and risk factor screenings help detect potential problems before symptoms occur. Preventive cardiology includes blood pressure and cholesterol checks, ECGs, heart ultrasound, and lifestyle counseling.

Most medically necessary cardiology tests and treatments are covered by health insurance. However, additional preventive check-ups and services (known as individual health services or IGeL in Germany) may not be included and are usually paid for by the patient.

The frequency depends on your personal health status and risk factors. Patients with existing cardiovascular conditions often need regular follow-ups. Healthy individuals with risk factors may benefit from a preventive heart check every 1–2 years.

A second opinion allows patients to get an independent evaluation of their diagnosis or treatment plan. This can provide reassurance, alternative options, and support informed decision-making about their heart health.