Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic method in cardiology. We use a state-of-the-art device from GE, which allows us to perform advanced techniques such as speckle tracking and color/tissue Doppler imaging.
This allows for precise visualization of the structure and function of the heart chambers, heart valves, and adjacent vessels. We can thus diagnose heart valve diseases, assess heart failure, or visualize past heart attacks.

Stress echocardiography (also known as exercise echocardiography) allows for the highly accurate detection of blood flow abnormalities in the heart muscle and impending heart attacks. An echocardiogram is performed simultaneously during physical exertion. Alternatively, this test can be conducted using a medication administered continuously via a controlled infusion throughout the examination to increase the heart rate. Both methods yield highly reliable results and carry very low risk. We perform this examination in the cardiology department in Bruchsal.

The ECG is another basic cardiology test used to record the heart’s electrical activity. It provides a wide range of information—including abnormal heart rhythms, past heart attacks, or conduction disorders—in a reliable, completely painless, and absolutely safe manner. This test is performed while the patient is lying down, with electrodes attached to the body at a total of 10 locations.

The stress ECG is typically performed on an ergometer. The test lasts about 20 minutes and is safe and painless. When the patient’s exercise capacity is optimal, the test can provide insights into overall physical fitness, blood pressure response during exercise, and any circulatory disorders of the heart. However, particularly with regard to potential circulatory disorders, the information provided by the stress ECG is limited. Therefore, in accordance with current recommendations from professional societies, if circulatory disorders of the heart are suspected, more informative methods such as scintigraphy, MRI, or CT scans are performed in coordination with colleagues in radiology and nuclear medicine.

Long-term monitoring allows for the highly accurate detection of cardiac arrhythmias. As standard practice, you will be provided with a device to take home for a 24-hour period. We use state-of-the-art technology from Schiller, which enables us to perform measurements over a period of up to 7 days in accordance with current recommendations from professional societies—for example, to detect atrial fibrillation or arrhythmias that occur only occasionally.

This measurement is performed using state-of-the-art technology from Schiller (Medilog R), a leader in this field. Technically speaking, heart rate variability (HRV) measures the temporal differences between successive heartbeats. A higher level of HRV often indicates a more flexible response of the autonomic nervous system, which in turn suggests better stress management and overall well-being.
Physiologically, HRV analysis provides insights into the state of the autonomic nervous system, which is closely linked to emotional and mental processes. Furthermore, the autonomic nervous system is closely linked to our immune system and has a decisive influence on inflammatory and autoimmune processes. A balanced relationship between the sympathetic (activating) and parasympathetic (calming) nervous systems is crucial for emotional stability and cognitive performance. HRV therefore provides an informative basis for understanding individual stress patterns and enabling targeted interventions to improve well-being.

24-hour blood pressure monitoring is considered the gold standard for diagnosing high blood pressure. During this procedure, a blood pressure cuff is applied to your arm; it measures your blood pressure every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. This method also allows us to detect the effects of sleep apnea syndrome (elevated blood pressure at night). The state-of-the-art technology we use employs two different blood pressure measurement methods simultaneously to ensure the most accurate readings possible.

These are advanced imaging procedures used to assess the function, structure, and any potential circulatory disorders of the heart. We would be happy to arrange these examinations for you at nearby cardiac centers or radiology practices.