Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Each year we treat around 3,000 inpatients and 12,000 outpatients. These high numbers guarantee optimal treatment quality and patient safety.
The focus of our work is on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases of all kinds. Procedures include those to restore the function of closed or narrowed coronary arteries, neck vessels, renal or leg arteries; the minimally invasive treatment of heart valve disease (transcatheter aortic valve implanation, MitraClip implantation, valvuloplasty); the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillator systems; and electrophysiological procedures for heart rhythm disorders.
Many of our patients also need treatment for associated conditions such as high blood pressure, metabolic illnesses, diabetes, disorders of kidney function and chronic obstructive lung diseases. As the Department of Internal Medicine we are qualified to treat all such conditions.
Our cardiological ward fulfils all the requirements, in terms of facilities and personnel qualifications, of a coronary care unit, with noninvasive and invasive monitoring. Therefore cardiac emergencies such as acute heart failure or an acute coronary syndrome can here be monitored and treated.
ECG
“ECG” stands for electrocardiography, a method used to measure the electrical activity of the heart. The measurements provide the doctor with information on the condition of the heart, since the formation and propagation of the electrical excitation of the heart muscle varies from normal in many heart diseases.
Computed Tomography
A computed tomography (CT) scanner consists of an X-ray emitting machine and opposite it a “receiver” that captures the images. During the examination the scanner rotates around the patient. From the signals a computer calculates an image, which appears as a complete section through the X-rayed site.
Heart Catheterization and Electrophysiological Examination
Twenty years ago heart catheterization was a purely diagnostic procedure but today it also offers the possibility of performing therapeutic measures. In this way, simple heart defects can be treated without surgery. Patients with complex heart defects are prepared for an operation with heart catheterization or undergo follow-up procedures using this technique.
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Long-Term Blood Pressure Measurement
With high blood pressure early diagnosis is very important. Long-term blood pressure measurement records the blood pressure in a 24-hour period and is performed by the patient. Measurement under normal everyday conditions enables more accurate determination of the blood pressure values.
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Other Examinations
Spiroergometric testing enables exact analysis of the circulation, the breathing and the limb muscles during exertion. The tilting table test is used to clarify the cause of unexplained loss of consciousness. Walking tests help decide on the optimal time-point for treatment in patients with circulatory disturbances of the legs.
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Hypertension Center
In Germany alone, 30 million people suffer from high blood pressure, known as arterial hypertension. Our Department has the expertise as well as the space and equipment to optimally treat patients with high blood pressure. To confirm this we were declared a “Certified Arterial Hypertension Center” by the German League for Hypertension (Deutsche Hochdruckliga e.V.).
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Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with oxygenated blood. The cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis. Typical symptoms are pressure, pain or a sensation of tightness in the chest, which can be accompanied by breathlessness.
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Heart Rhythm Disorders
When the heart beats too slowly, too quickly or irregularly we speak of heart rhythm disorders or “arrhythmia”. Here you can learn more about the different forms of this disease, its causes and the treatment options available, such as the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators.
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Risk Factors for Heart Diseases
The secondary risk factors for cardiovascular disease are varied. Among the most important risk factors are high blood pressure, elevated blood fat values and diabetes mellitus. In treating secondary risk factors, early diagnosis and long-term follow-up are particularly important.
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