The heart check-up is a preventive medical measure for the heart and circulation

Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in Switzerland. Unfortunately, life-threatening diseases such as heart attacks often occur without warning.

The majority of all heart attacks are caused by risk factors that can be measured and influenced. Anyone who recognizes their risk factors such as high blood pressure, blood sugar levels or high cholesterol with a heart check-up can do something important for their health at an early stage and as a preventative measure.

When does a heart check-up make sense?

The aim of the heart check-up is to identify risk situations in good time and treat them if necessary. Anyone in their family (mainly first-degree relatives such as parents, siblings or biological children) who is aware of cases of premature (before the age of 60) cardiovascular disease or sudden and unexplained death should undergo a heart check-up at an early stage.

Regardless of family history, a heart check-up can be useful if there are risk factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, severe kidney failure, nicotine consumption).

How does the heart check-up work?

Heart Check-Up "Basic

The "Basic" heart check-up consists of a personal history and a physical examination. This is followed by a blood sample to check various organ systems: Blood count, kidney, cholesterol and liver values, blood sugar. In addition, there are medical tests of the heart and circulation: blood pressure measurement, cardiac current curve (ECG) at rest, heart ultrasound (echocardiography), exercise ECG (bicycle ergometry).

Extended Check Up "Plus

The extended heart check-up "Plus" includes the following examinations in addition to the basic check-up in addition:

Measurement of the carotid artery for even more precise risk stratification with regard to arteriosclerosis (carotid duplex), lung function test and computer tomography of the coronary vessels (cardiac CT).

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Heart Check up (procedure and result) ...

Before the heart check up

Your contact and appointment registration. You will receive a health questionnaire with the appointment confirmation.

On the heart check-up day (1.5 hours)

Laboratory tests, medical examination, medical diagnostics.

After the stress ECG (electrocardiography) on the bicycle, you have the opportunity to take a shower and freshen up on the spot (incl. bath towel).

Medical discussion and consultation (1/2 hour)

All medical examinations and results are discussed with the examining doctor. Including prevention consultation and heart check-up report.

Written examination documentation with personal recommendation

Written documentation of the examination with individual conclusions and recommendations will be sent to the patient following the examination.

Costs for the heart check-up

Costs on request.

The heart check-up is a voluntary preventive measure. The heart check-up is generally not covered by basic insurance (KVG). The costs of the Heart Check-Up are partly covered by supplementary insurance. Please note that additional tests and examinations must be paid for separately.

Written examination documentation with personal recommendation

At the end of the examination, there is a summarizing final discussion in which the doctor informs the patient about the findings and discusses recommendations for possible further examinations. A written documentation of the examination with individual recommendations is given to the patient.

Cost absorption at the heart check-up

As a rule, the basic insurance (KVG) does not cover the heart check-up. However, there are supplementary insurances that cover at least part of the costs. We are available to answer any questions you may have about insurance and cost coverage and will also take care of clarifying matters with your health insurance company.

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The individual medical tests at a glance

Heart Check-Up "Basic" Includes:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The resting electrocardiogram (ECG) can be used to examine the heart rate, heart rhythm and the activity of the atria and ventricles. During a resting ECG, heart activity is recorded while the patient is lying down. To do this, electrodes are attached to the arms, legs and chest around the heart.

The result is displayed in curves and used for diagnosis or therapy monitoring in the vast majority of heart diseases.

Exercise ECG

During the exercise ECG, the cardiac current curves are measured while seated on the bicycle ergometer. The exercise is performed according to a previously selected, individually adapted exercise protocol. The exercise usually lasts 8-12 minutes. The aim is usually physical exhaustion. Blood pressure, pulse, heart rhythm and frequency as well as performance and oxygen saturation are measured.

Imaging of the heart (cardiac imaging)

Imaging of the heart (known as cardiac imaging) comprises various modalities which are offered by our team of heart specialists in collaboration with our colleagues at the Hirslanden Radiology Clinic.

Heart ultrasound examination (echocardiography)

Echocardiography is a painless ultrasound examination of the heart from the outside. Ultrasound is used to assess the anatomy of the individual heart chambers, the pumping functions and the function of the individual heart valves as well as parts of the aorta.

Heart Check-Up "Plus" Includes in addition to the "Basic":

Depending on the situation, additional examination methods are recommended:

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Ultrasound examination via the esophagus (from the inside) is used for a more precise assessment of certain structures and, 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. The anesthesia of the throat and a sedative medication (sedation, light anesthesia) enable a gentle examination that is not felt by the patient.

3D special echos (3D echocardiography)

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

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

Heart scintigraphy (myocardial scintigraphy)

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 radioactive marker substances, cardiac function can be studied at rest and under stress and areas with insufficient blood flow can be identified.

Cardiac computer tomography (cardio-CT)

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 the patient. This method is also used to plan interventions and operations for valvular heart disease

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardio-MRI)

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