Post COVID-19 cardiology examination packages
As the coronavirus infection spreads and the number of infected people increases, more and more data become available. More recently, several scientific studies have suggested that acute cardiovascular symptoms may occur alongside the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 disease. In the post-infection period, patients with pneumonia may later develop pulmonary fibrosis, and prolonged feelings of weakness and reduced exercise capacity may be due to cardiac involvement.
In severe cases, complications of coronavirus can include myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, myocarditis, and pericarditis.
The exact mechanism is currently unknown, but viral-induced oxygen deprivation, inflammation-induced plaque rupture in the coronary arteries, excessive immune response, excessive blood clotting and direct myocardial cell damage caused by the virus may play a role in the development of complications. The tests included in this package are recommended for anyone recovering from COVID-19 infection who continues to experience reduced exercise capacity, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and/or chest pain. Active athletes are strongly advised to have a cardiological checkup before resuming sports activities.
The following two cardiology packages have been developed in accordance with national and international professional recommendations.
Post COVID-19 basic cardiology package
The Post COVID-19 basic cardiology package contains the following tests and examinations.
Troponin levels that are detectable and elevated in the blood are a good indicator of myocardial damage. Troponin levels may also be elevated in the blood in acute cardiac failure, tachycardia, and sepsis.
When the myocardium becomes too tense and can only pump blood with great effort, the myocardium produces B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The test helps detect cardiac failure and assess its severity.
Our extended blood and urine test includes general laboratory screening tests, which can detect many diseases at an early stage, without any symptoms. The tests give a general picture of the functioning of the body: carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the function of the central organ of metabolism, the liver, the function of the excretory kidneys, the state of the haematopoietic system, the function of the thyroid gland, as well as inflammations in the body.
The cardiac examination starts with taking a medical history (anamnesis). The specialist will ask the patient about previous illnesses, operations, family history of illnesses and complaints, followed by a physical examination.
Echocardiography is an imaging technique that produces a moving image of the heart as it works. It is used to examine the anatomy of the heart and the great vessels, to monitor the function of the four chambers of the heart, to determine blood flow parameters with high accuracy, to detect myocardial lesions, valvular diseases, pericardial effusion, tissue proliferation and valvular insufficiency.
An ECG gives a picture of the electrical activity and changes that accompany the cardiac function (heartbeat). The ECG curve is displayed on paper or on a monitor.
Who is the Post COVID-19 basic cardiology package recommended to?
The tests included in the package are recommended to anyone who is recovering from a COVID-19 infection and is still experiencing reduced exercise capacity, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and/or chest pain. Active athletes are strongly advised to have a cardiological checkup before resuming sports activities.
Where is the test available?
Our Post COVID-19 basic cardiology package is available at our clinics in Budapest and in the countryside.
How long after the infection has run its course should the tests be carried out?
At least three weeks after the date of infection.
Post COVID-19 basic cardiology package + cardiac MRI
It contains the items of the Post COVID-19 basic cardiology package plus a cardiac MRI scan with contrast. The mandatory renal function laboratory test for the cardiac MRI scan is already included in the package’s extended blood and urine test.
Cardiac MRI
A cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency waves and a powerful computer to produce very detailed still and moving images of different parts of the heart (heart cavities, heart valves, myocardium, pericardium) and its surroundings. Several images of the heart from different angles and of the blood vessels entering and leaving the heart are taken during the scan. The recorded images help to see and measure how the heart is working and how blood flows through the blood vessels and heart valves. This advanced diagnostic technology can provide detailed information about the type and severity of each type of heart disease.
Who is the Post COVID-19 cardiology package + cardiac MRI recommended to?
The tests included in the package are recommended to anyone who is recovering from a COVID-19 infection and is still experiencing reduced exercise capacity, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and/or chest pain. Active athletes are strongly advised to have a cardiological checkup before resuming sports activities.
Where is the test available?
We only perform cardiac MRI scans in Budapest.
How long after the infection has run its course should the tests be carried out?
At least three weeks after the date of infection.
