Vein Clinic - Centre de Cardiologie 

Cardiac assessment and health

The cardiac check-up is a series of examinations designed to assess the proper

heart function and prevent cardiovascular disease, particularly in at-risk individuals or those

people at risk, or those presenting symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations or

chest pain.

The Champel Heart Center

The Champel Cardiology Center provides specialized FMH cardiologists and cutting-edge technologies for the diagnosis, monitoring and prevention of cardiovascular disease. It provides rapid care, including on Saturdays, and collaborates with the Vein Clinic Geneva for a comprehensive approach to the cardiovascular system.

Our doctors offer personalized consultations, tailored to the needs of each patient.

The medical team consists of : Dr Schopfer, Dr Popova and Dr Adamec.

1. Heart check examinations

The complete work-up includes several essential examinations:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): records the heart's electrical activity, fast, painless and non-invasive.
• Echocardiogram: visualizes the structure and function of the heart, useful after a heart attack or to evaluate a pre-operative work-up.
• Exercise test: performed on a bicycle or treadmill, measures the heart's ability to adapt to exertion and helps detect ischemia.
• R-Test (prolonged ECG): records heart rhythm over several days to diagnose rhythm disorders (arrhythmias).
• ABPM: records blood pressure over a 24-hour period to obtain precise, representative values of blood pressure rhythm.

2. When to have a cardiac check-up?

A cardiac check-up is recommended:

• Every 2 to 3 years from the age of 45.
• Every year in case of risk factors: smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol or family history.
• And immediately in the event of symptoms (shortness of breath, palpitations, swollen legs, chest pain).

3. Hypertension

Often silent, hypertension is nicknamed the "silent killer". High blood pressure can cause headaches, dizziness or chest pain, but often remains asymptomatic. Left untreated, it promotes atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure. Diagnosis is made by a simple blood pressure measurement

or 24-hour monitoring (MAPA). Treatment is based on :

• hygienic-dietary measures (balanced diet, physical activity, reduction of salt and stress).
• and, if necessary, lifelong medication.
• Ischemic heart disease
• Ischemic heart disease is characterized by an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Severe and prolonged ischemia can lead to the death of heart tissue, resulting in myocardial infarction.
• Frequency: more common in men, but women are increasingly affected.
• affected.
• Symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, commonly known as heart attacks.
• Prevention: maintain a healthy lifestyle, control diabetes, reduce cholesterol and monitor blood pressure (<140/80).
• Treatment: effective, thanks to modern medicines that improve life expectancy.

5. The heart and exercise

The heart, a vital muscle, ensures the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body.

With age or risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol), it becomes more fragile. A regular heart check-up is therefore essential, especially for athletes or people over 40. Recommended tests :

• Cardiac ultrasound to check muscle function.
• Exercise stress test to assess capacity to adapt to exercise.
• Cardio R-Test to detect occasional arrhythmias during physical activity.

These non-invasive, pain-free examinations enable you to take part in sporting activities in complete safety.