Q: Which conditions cannot be assessed with a heart ultrasound? (Coronary arteries)

Many patients believe that one can also assess the coronary arteries during this examination, known as the coronary vessels. Those are the three vessels that lie outside the heart and supply blood to the heart muscle itself. If one of these vessels becomes blocked, it can lead to a heart attack. In the case of chronic narrowing, the patient may experience chest pressure (angina pectoris) or shortness of breath. However, the coronary arteries have a diameter of approximately 2.5 mm, which is too small to be seen and assessed from the outside using ultrasound. The assessment of the coronary arteries is done through a coronary CT (contrast agent required) or, in some cases, through a myocardial scintigraphy (radioactive examination). Ultimately, the most accurate examination is the cardiac catheterization itself.

Q: How long does the cardiac ultrasound examination take?

The examination itself takes about 10 minutes , depending on pre-existing heart conditions. Including data collection, changing clothes, and payment, you should plan for a total of up to 20 minutes. The findings will be provided to you on the same day.

Question 1

Why do I need a cardiac ultrasound examination?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac ultrasound examination is nowadays as essential as the EKG for the comprehensive assessment of the heart. Both examinations (compared to CT or MRI) are easy to perform, cost-effective, and completely safe. During the examination, the structure and function of the heart can be easily assessed. This can, in many cases, help identify or rule out heart disease.

Question 2

What information does a carotid ultrasound provide?

Accepted Answer

During an ultrasound examination of the carotid artery, calcifications (plaques) and constrictions (stenoses) can be identified.

Question 3

What information does a heart ultrasound provide?

Accepted Answer

After a heart attack, the pumping capacity can be quantified.
Diagnosis and follow-up of heart valve diseases or after heart valve operations
To clarify shortness of breath
Assessment of inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis). Both diseases are rare, but have recently been frequently mentioned in the media in connection with Covid-19 or the corona vaccination
In the case of cardiac arrhythmias, to assess the pump function and the heart valves
In the case of atrial fibrillation, to assess the atria and the heart valves
Assessment of the upper section of the main artery (aneurysm)
Follow-up of pulmonary hypertension
Assessment of so-called diastolic heart failure (“stiff heart”)
In the case of underlying rheumatic diseases to rule out pulmonary hypertension
For monitoring the pump function during ongoing chemotherapy
Before operations as part of a surgical release

Question 4

Which conditions cannot be assessed with a heart ultrasound? (Coronary arteries)

Accepted Answer

Many patients believe that one can also assess the coronary arteries during this examination, known as the coronary vessels. Those are the three vessels that lie outside the heart and supply blood to the heart muscle itself. If one of these vessels becomes blocked, it can lead to a heart attack. In the case of chronic narrowing, the patient may experience chest pressure (angina pectoris) or shortness of breath. However, the coronary arteries have a diameter of approximately 2.5 mm, which is too small to be seen and assessed from the outside using ultrasound. The assessment of the coronary arteries is done through a coronary CT (contrast agent required) or, in some cases, through a myocardial scintigraphy (radioactive examination). Ultimately, the most accurate examination is the cardiac catheterization itself.

Question 5

Is a heart ultrasound dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No, ultrasound waves are harmless; there is no radiation involved. No contrast agent is used either. The examination is also safe for pregnant women.

Question 6

Does the cardiac ultrasound examination cause pain, or what is the procedure for the examination?

Accepted Answer

The examination is conducted with the upper body exposed while lying on a bed. The heart is best assessed in the left lateral position or in the supine position. A blunt ultrasound probe is used to apply some pressure on the chest over the heart to generate the best possible images. Ultrasound gel is used for better coupling. Some patients may find the pressure over the ribs during the examination slightly uncomfortable, but the majority of patients do not experience any discomfort during this examination.

Question 7

How long does the cardiac ultrasound examination take?

Accepted Answer

The examination itself takes about 10 minutes, depending on pre-existing heart conditions. Including data collection, changing clothes, and payment, you should plan for a total of up to 20 minutes. The findings will be provided to you on the same day.

Question 8

How much does the cardiac ultrasound examination cost, and can I get the costs refunded?

Accepted Answer

The examination costs €120. You can pay on-site with a debit card, credit card, or in cash. Unfortunately, bank transfers are not possible. After the examination, you will receive an invoice with a receipt. You can then submit these to your insurance company. For patients of the ÖGK, SVS or BVAEB, we are also happy to take over the submission to the social insurance.
Cardiac ultrasound is generally very well reimbursed by the insurance companies, please refer to the following table for the exact reimbursement: You can then submit this to your insurance company.

	Echo	Carotis	EKG	Holter	ABM
Preis	€ 120,00	€ 80,00	€ 50,00	€ 130,00	€ 70,00
Rückerstattung
ÖGK-Wien	€ 63,66	€ 48,62	€ 18,76	€ 69,75	€ 19,75
SVS	€ 77,23	€ 47,83	€ 38,22	€ 93,06	€ 36,00
BVAEB	€ 93,77	€ 49,41	€ 45,00	€ 93,06	€ 46,00

	Echo Carotis EKG	Echo Carotis	Echo Holter	Holter ABM	Echo EKG
Preis	€ 200,00	€ 170,00	€ 200,00	€ 180,00	€ 150,00
Rückerstattung
ÖGK-Wien	€ 131,04	€ 112,28	€ 133,41	€ 89,50	€ 82,42
SVS	€ 163,28	€ 125,06	€ 170,29	€ 129,06	€ 115,45
BVAEB	€ 188,18	€ 143,18	€ 186,83	€ 139,06	€ 138,77

Heart and Carotid ultrasound

Why do I need a cardiac ultrasound examination?

What information does a carotid ultrasound provide?

What information does a heart ultrasound provide?

Which conditions cannot be assessed with a heart ultrasound? (Coronary arteries)

Is a heart ultrasound dangerous?

Does the cardiac ultrasound examination cause pain, or what is the procedure for the examination?

How long does the cardiac ultrasound examination take?

How much does the cardiac ultrasound examination cost, and can I get the costs refunded?

Our heart ultrasound specialist Stefanie Burger, BA

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