Private cardiology clinic in Balatonfüred

Blood pressure measurement

We measure blood pressure on both arms to record the readings from each upper arm and detect any difference between the two sides.

Resting ECG

We perform a 12-lead resting ECG, which shows the resting heart rate and the type and character of the heart rhythm. The characteristics of the heart’s electrical activity may indicate a problem with blood supply, high blood pressure, reduced pumping function or a heart rhythm disorder.

Heart ultrasound: echocardiography

Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) is one of the most important safe, non-invasive basic cardiology tests. It allows us to assess, from various points on the chest, how the heart pumps and fills with blood, as well as the thickness and contractility of the heart muscle. The examination gives a picture of the condition and function of the heart valves, and of the relationship between the heart and lungs in terms of circulation. It can reveal significant problems with blood supply (for example, a previous heart attack), valve disorders and conditions involving enlargement and weakening of the heart.

The method is suitable for monitoring the effect of many treatments on the heart (for example coronary angioplasty, blood pressure control and heart failure therapy), and for following the progression and natural course of certain conditions (for example valve problems).

At Tagore Medical Center, the examination is carried out with a professional Philips Affiniti 70 echocardiography system. This top-of-the-range ultrasound system is equipped with innovative features such as automated strain analysis based on contour tracking, which, if required, allows us to analyse your heart function using computer simulation.

Echocardiography is only performed after a specialist consultation, following a thorough review of your history and a detailed assessment of your complaints; it cannot be requested on its own without a consultation.

Exercise ECG

A resting ECG analyses the heart’s electrical activity at rest, but many cardiac symptoms and abnormalities are only provoked by physical exertion. This is why the exercise ECG is so important in assessing these conditions. During the test, following predefined protocols and with gradually increasing intensity, we monitor how the heart responds to exertion (heart rate, blood pressure), together with ECG changes that reflect the heart’s blood supply.

In certain heart conditions it may also be used:

• to assess the individual’s general exercise capacity and fitness (reduced heart function, valve disease, sports cardiology measurements);
• to objectively evaluate the onset of certain symptoms;
• to characterise certain arrhythmias more precisely.

Exercise tests are carried out on a modern, fully digital BTL exercise ECG system, using exercise ECG equipment with wireless signal transmission (BTL Flexi ECG). At Tagore Medical Center both treadmill and exercise bike testing are available. The treadmill is recommended for patients with good exercise capacity and no joint problems, and for healthy individuals attending for screening; the bike is recommended for patients with less steady balance or who cannot walk briskly or run. For an exercise test, please bring comfortable trainers and loose sportswear.

Exercise ECG tests are only performed after a specialist consultation, following a thorough review of your medical history and a detailed assessment of your symptoms; this test cannot be booked on its own without a consultation.

Ankle-brachial index and arterial stiffness

Atherosclerotic narrowing of the arteries does not only affect the coronary arteries of the heart: by narrowing the arteries of the legs it can cause peripheral arterial disease, which in its most severe form often ends in amputation. In Hungary around 6,000 amputations are performed every year, almost half of which could be prevented by timely screening and treatment of peripheral arterial disease, which is often symptomless.

The circulation of the legs can be described by a simple, accurate measure called the ankle-brachial index (ABI). A value of 0.90 or lower indicates peripheral arterial disease, and below 0.5 a very severe circulatory problem in the legs, even at rest, is likely. At Tagore Medical Center the ankle-brachial index is measured with the automated BOSO ABI method, which examines all four limbs at once and can be confirmed or refined with Doppler ultrasound if necessary (see also: vascular surgery).

In addition to ABI measurement, the BOSO device analyses the elasticity of the wall of the main artery leaving the heart (the aorta), known as aortic PWV. This elasticity (aortic stiffness) is an independent predictor of arterial disease and cardiovascular events. A value above 10.0 m/s indicates a stiffer, less elastic aorta, placing the patient in a higher risk group.

Risk classification based on cholesterol levels and starting personalised treatment

Based on your other medical conditions and your level of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), we determine your personal cardiovascular risk and explain the available medical treatment options, which include oral medicines as well as highly effective, long-acting injectable treatments. The necessary laboratory tests can be carried out on site.

Patient information brochure (PDF, downloadable)

Professional body composition analysis (InBody 770)

Obesity is a widespread health problem in Hungary: by European comparison, the country is among the most severely overweight nations. The most important risk factor in obesity is abdominal (visceral) fat, which is directly linked to cardiovascular events. Diet and regular exercise are hugely important in tackling obesity, but simply weighing yourself on scales is not an accurate way to track progress.

Detailed body composition analysis can help assess your current condition accurately, set goals for change and track the effectiveness of those changes precisely. At Tagore Medical Center professional body composition analysis is performed with the InBody 770 device. For the test you stand barefoot, in your underwear, on the marked points of the device, holding the hand sensors with your arms held out to the sides. The device measures electrical resistance (tissue impedance) between the contact points at several independent frequencies, from which a body composition map can be drawn up.

24-hour, 2-day and 7-day Holter ECG monitoring

For effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias, it is essential to record an ECG while symptoms are occurring, as this provides accurate evidence for assessing the nature and type of the arrhythmia and how it should be treated. Often, despite significant symptoms, a resting 12-lead ECG shows no abnormality, and continuous ECG monitoring at home, sometimes over several days, is what leads to a diagnosis.

This long-term ECG monitoring and recording is carried out with a modern, compact digital Holter ECG device that does not interfere with daily life. It continuously monitors heart activity and can record ECGs for up to 7 days. To obtain low-noise ECG recordings, we use the professional BTL H600 Holter ECG system.

Electrodes are placed on the chest and connected to a small ECG monitor that clips onto your waistband. You can then go home and return the device to our clinic after the agreed period. We provide the evaluated results of the downloaded recording within 2 weeks.

2-week ECG event recorder (WIWE test)

If arrhythmia symptoms occur only rarely (typically less than once a week), we can provide patients with an ECG event recorder. This small, smart device records the ECG rhythm during symptoms, which can bring you closer to an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. For ECG event monitoring we use the WIWE device, which is usually provided for a period of 2 weeks.

24-hour ABPM blood pressure monitor

High blood pressure is the risk factor responsible for the largest number of deaths, so optimal blood pressure control is extremely important. In the specialist’s consulting room we often measure significantly higher blood pressure than the values measured at home. To decide whether this is merely a stress reaction triggered by the doctor (white coat syndrome) or genuine high blood pressure that needs treatment, objective and accurate blood pressure monitoring at home is required. At Tagore Medical Center 24-hour blood pressure monitoring is carried out with a BTL ABPM device, which is usually provided to patients for 24 hours. (Useful reading: How to measure your blood pressure correctly at home.)

1-month digital blood pressure diary

If one day of continuous blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is not enough to adjust treatment properly, or the effectiveness of a new therapy needs to be followed over a longer period, a digital smart blood pressure monitor (OMRON EVOLV) that compiles and evaluates the measurements by computer is available to meet this specific need.

Rapid HbA1c test

Screening for diabetes and treating it optimally is essential for every patient who has had a cardiovascular event, and screening can be carried out for anyone without diabetes. HbA1c, which reflects the average blood sugar level over 3 months, can be used with a validated rapid test to screen for possible diabetes, giving an immediate result from a single drop of blood taken from the fingertip. Our diabetologist colleagues are also available in cases of known or suspected diabetes.

Pacemaker interrogation and programming

At Tagore Medical Center, for patients who have had a pacemaker implanted, we can read out the pacemaker, modify its programme and adjust its settings for more effective operation. For programming, we need to know the exact type and manufacturer of the implanted pacemaker.