ECG

ECG is a simple and painless method that can help to diagnose many cardiac problems, including heart attack. This examination is prescribed by the doctor and is carried out by our nurse. No special preparation is needed. During the examination the patient strips to the waist, removes her or his watch, lies down and uncovers both ankles in order for the electrodes to be attached. The nurse will moisten the skin with water and attaches the electrodes by suction (6 on the chest and one on each ankle and wrist). The patient is then asked to breathe calmly. In our surgery we use a computerised ECG with an automatic recording facility. The whole examination takes no more than a few minutes.

24 hour monitoring of blood pressure

There are many patients in our surgery taking medication for high blood pressure. The measurement of blood pressure in the surgery can be influenced by stress (the so-called “white coat effect”). That’s why it’s ideal to compare these measurements with figures from home, during all kinds of activities through the day. This can be achieved by monitoring blood pressure over 24 hours (using a blood pressure Holter device).

The examination is simple and painless. The patient has to come to the surgery, where he or she is given an arm cuff by our nurse and a small monitoring device, not much bigger than a mobile phone. This can be worn under a shirt and doesn’t influence daily activities. The monitor is worn by the patient for 24 hours. The arm cuff is automatically inflated at given intervals and blood pressure is measured. It is advised to stop any activity and not speak during the few seconds during which the measurement takes place. The patient is also advised to carry a diary of activities during that day. After 24 hours the patient comes back to the surgery. The nurse takes back the monitor, connects it to the computer and hands the results to the doctor, together with the patient’s record of activity through the day.

This examination is not paid by public health insurance yet. In our surgery it costs 350 CZK. Public insurance can pay for the examination if prescribed in hospital or by a specialist, but the advantage if you have it measured by us is the convenience of not having to wait or go for a special consultation.

ABI-BOSO measurement

This examination is prescribed by the doctor, if there is a suspicion of constriction or blockage of arteries in the limbs (ischaemic disease). This may happen where the patient suffers symptoms such as pain during walking, if she or he has to stop after few meters because of pain, has cramps in her/his legs, cold toes, or – in an advanced stage of the disease – discoloured toes.

The examination is very simple and painless. Blood pressure measurement is provided automatically at the same time at each of all four limbs and lasts one minute. From the results of these measurements the ankle-brachial pressure index is calculated, which indicates the possibility of ischaemic disease. The results are available electronically and printed.