Question 1

Why do I need a cardiac ultrasound examination?

Accepted Answer

Nowadays, cardiac ultrasound examinations are as much a part of standard cardiac assessment as ECGs. Both examinations are easy to perform (compared to CT or MRI), inexpensive and completely harmless. The examination allows the structure and function of the heart to be easily assessed. In many cases, this can detect or rule out heart disease.

Question 2

What information does a carotid ultrasound provide?

Accepted Answer

An ultrasound examination of the carotid artery can detect calcifications (plaques) and narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid artery.

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 think that this examination can also be used to assess the coronary arteries. These are the three vessels located on the outside of the heart that supply the heart muscle itself with blood. If one of these vessels becomes blocked, a heart attack occurs; in the case of chronic narrowing, the patient experiences chest pressure (angina pectoris) or shortness of breath. However, with a diameter of approximately 2.5 mm, the coronary arteries are too small to be seen and assessed externally using ultrasound. The coronary arteries are assessed using coronary CT (contrast agent required) or, in some cases, myocardial scintigraphy (radioactive examination). Ultimately, however, the most accurate examination is the cardiac catheter itself.

Question 5

Is a heart ultrasound dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No, ultrasound waves are harmless; there is no radiation whatsoever. 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 performed on a couch with the upper body uncovered. The heart is best assessed in the left lateral position or in the supine position. A blunt ultrasound probe is used to apply a certain amount of pressure to the chest above the heart in order to produce the best possible images. An ultrasound gel is used for better coupling. Some patients find the pressure on their ribs during the examination somewhat 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 approximately 10 minutes, depending on any pre-existing heart conditions. Including data collection beforehand, changing clothes and payment, you should allow up to 20 minutes in total. The findings will be sent 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 by debit card, credit card or cash. Unfortunately, bank transfers are not possible. After the examination, you will receive a bill with receipts. You can then submit these to your insurance company. For patients covered by ÖGK, SVS or BVAEB, we are also happy to submit the claim to the social insurance provider.
Heart ultrasounds are generally very well reimbursed by health insurance companies. Please refer to the following table for the exact reimbursement amounts:

	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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