Cardio Vital Complete: comprehensive heart and organ check

Heart echo (echocardiogram)
Heart recording (ECG)
Exercise examination (bicycle test)
Upper abdomen echo
Laboratory examination (blood and urine)

Note: If you are under the care of a cardiologist (last consultation or check-up < 1 year) please contact us at 074 255 9 255. If you currently have heart-related complaints, contact your GP or your cardiologist.

What does Cardio Vital Complete offer me?

Cardio Vital Complete is particularly suitable for people with a possible family history and people with risk factors.
You can be seen quickly without a referral.
General assessment of your cardiovascular health by a cardiologist.
Highly reliable results with modern diagnostic techniques.
The same-day results and insight into your heart health.
Personal health advice by a cardiologist based on your results.

Specifications Cardio Vital Complete

Cardiology

Laboratory

Ultrasound

Cardiology

directions_bike Exercise ECG
procedure Ultrasound of the heart
ecg ecg

Details

Provides insight into
Pros and cons
Alternatives
Risks
Technical description

Provides insight into

An exercise test on a bike is an important part of a body check to assess the health of your heart. During this test, you cycle on an exercise bike while your heart rate and breathing are measured. The purpose of the test is to see how well your heart responds to physical exertion.

The test starts gently and gradually becomes more intense, making your heart work harder. You may start breathing faster and your heart will beat more quickly. This is normal and helps the doctor determine whether your heart and blood vessels are functioning properly or if there may be problems with blood flow to your heart.

This test can detect problems early, such as narrowed blood vessels, which you might not yet notice in daily life. If anything unusual happens during the test, the cardiologist will see it immediately and further steps can be taken.

An exercise test is a safe and effective way to gain insight into your heart health, especially as part of a comprehensive body check. It helps you to identify potential risks early and take timely action.

Note: If you currently have heart complaints or have been under the care of a cardiologist in the past 12 months, you cannot undergo preventive examinations at Prescan. A preventive health check is not intended for people with existing complaints or ongoing treatments. In that case, you should first contact your general practitioner or cardiologist for further examination and advice. If in doubt or if you have questions, you can always contact us at 074 255 9 255.

It is possible that an examination may lead to incidental findings. Before the examination, Prescan will ask whether you wish to be informed about incidental findings for which monitoring or treatment is possible, and incidental findings concerning conditions that may affect your offspring. Prescan is not permitted to inform you about incidental findings for which no monitoring or treatment is possible (see NEN 8051 standard for more information).

For more information about preventive medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

Brochure from KNMG

RIVM Health Testing website

Pros and cons

Pros:

Early detection of heart problems
Insight into the condition of your heart
Safe examination, as it is performed under the supervision of a cardiologist
Preventive effect: helps you improve your lifestyle

Cons:

Not suitable for people with existing heart complaints.
Limited scope: Only shows results during exertion.
Fatiguing: Can be demanding for people with low fitness levels.
A preventive examination can sometimes detect benign heart abnormalities that pose no risk. This may cause unnecessary worry or anxiety, especially if follow-up examinations are required to rule out something serious.
In some cases, harmless abnormalities may mistakenly be seen as concerning, which can lead to unnecessary follow-up examinations. This can cause stress, even if it later turns out there is no problem. Prescan will never make a diagnosis or provide treatment in such cases, but will refer you to your general practitioner for further examination.

Alternatives:

Possible alternatives to a preventative health check with an ECG include:

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound): This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It shows how well your heart is pumping and whether the heart valves are functioning properly, useful for early detection of issues.
ECG (electrocardiogram): This measures the heart’s electrical activity at rest, helping to detect irregular heart rhythms.
MRI of the heart: This scan provides detailed images of the heart. It can help detect problems such as scar tissue or abnormalities in the heart muscle, useful for preventative checks.
CT scan of the heart: This scan looks at the blood vessels around the heart, helping to detect narrowing or blockages. This is important for early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Note: Prescan does not offer MRI or CT scans of the heart, as these tests do not fall under preventative care. They are part of regular healthcare and are performed for individuals with existing conditions or known risk factors. For these tests, it is best to contact your GP or cardiologist.

Risks

A risk during a fitness test is that the physical exertion might be too intense, especially for individuals with underlying heart conditions or poor fitness. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, or in rare cases, arrhythmias during the test. To minimise this risk, the test is always conducted under medical supervision, with continuous monitoring of your heart and breathing. If any signs of problems arise, the test is stopped immediately.

Technical description

Exercise bike equipment

At Prescan, we use ergometer systems to perform an exercise test, also known as a bike test or exercise ECG. These systems are designed to monitor heart function during physical exertion and provide real-time displays of heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG data. The exercise tests are carried out on standardized medical bicycles, which offer controlled and precise increases in resistance, ensuring that the workload rises gradually and the heart is maximally stressed without unnecessary risks.

Exercise test protocol

The protocol for the exercise test has been developed in consultation with cardiologists for preventive medical examinations. The test begins with a resting ECG to establish baseline values, followed by a phase of gradual exertion. The resistance on the bike is increased step by step, with ECG readings, heart rate, and blood pressure closely monitored at various intervals. During the test, our medical professionals continuously monitor your condition to ensure safety. The test ends once the maximum heart rate or exertion limit is reached, or if irregularities are observed. If necessary, the cardiologist may decide to stop the test earlier.

Details

Provides insight into
Pros and cons
Alternatives
Risks
Technical description

Provides Insight Into

A preventative heart echo (echocardiogram) is a valuable examination for assessing your heart's health, even if you have no symptoms. During an echo, a doctor uses sound waves to observe how well your heart pumps blood throughout your body. This provides insight into your heart's functioning and whether everything is working as it should.

It can also detect issues with the heart valves, such as a leaky or narrowed valve, which can affect how efficiently your heart functions. Early detection of these issues can help prevent further complications. In addition to the echo, an ECG (electrocardiogram) may be performed to measure your heart rhythm and detect possible arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

If the echo or ECG indicates potential issues with the blood vessels around your heart, such as narrowed coronary arteries, further tests like a CT scan or angiogram might be necessary. However, at Prescan, a cardiologist will not request a CT scan, as this is not considered a preventative test. Instead, you will be referred to your GP or a specialist for further examination.

An echo can also reveal damage to the heart muscle, such as from a previous heart attack, or detect fluid buildup around the heart, which may indicate pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining).

In summary, a preventative heart echo offers a comprehensive view of your heart’s health and helps identify potential problems early. If further testing is required, Prescan will ensure you are referred to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Note: If you currently have heart-related symptoms or have been under the care of a cardiologist in the past 12 months, you cannot undergo preventative examinations with Prescan. Preventative health checks are not intended for individuals with existing conditions or ongoing treatments. In such cases, you should contact your GP or cardiologist for further investigation and advice. If you are unsure or have any questions, feel free to contact us on 074 255 9 255.

For more information about preventive medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

Brochure from KNMG

RIVM Health Testing website

Pros and cons

Pros:

Early detection of heart problems.
Insight into the condition of your heart.
Safe procedure, conducted under the supervision of a cardiologist.
Preventative benefits: helps you improve your lifestyle.

Cons:

Not suitable for individuals with existing heart conditions.
Limited scope: additional tests like a CT scan are required for evaluating blood vessels, such as coronary arteries, which Prescan is not authorised to perform.
A preventative check-up may sometimes detect harmless heart irregularities that do not pose any risk, potentially causing unnecessary worry or anxiety, especially if further tests are needed to rule out more serious conditions.
In some cases, benign irregularities might be mistakenly perceived as concerning, leading to unnecessary follow-up tests, which can cause stress even if there is no actual problem. Prescan will never diagnose or treat conditions themselves but will refer you to your GP for further investigation.

Alternatives:

Possible alternatives to a preventative health check with echocardiography include:

ECG: An ECG, or heart film, measures the electrical activity of your heart. This test gives insight into how your heart beats and whether there are any irregularities in rhythm or heart rate, such as arrhythmias or issues with blood flow to the heart.
Stress test (bicycle test): During this test, your heart activity is measured while cycling. It helps assess how your heart responds to physical activity and can detect problems like narrowed blood vessels at an early stage.
Cardiac MRI: This scan provides detailed images of your heart and can help detect issues such as scarring or abnormalities in the heart muscle, useful for preventative checks.
CT scan of the heart: This scan examines the blood vessels around the heart and helps detect narrowing or blockages, which are crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases at an early stage.

Note: Prescan does not offer MRI or CT scans of the heart, as these are not classified as preventative care. They belong within regular medical care and are performed on individuals with known symptoms or risk factors. For these tests, it is best to contact your GP or cardiologist.

Risks:

An echocardiogram is a safe test with no associated risks. Since it uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is harmless to the body. The test is painless, and no needles or invasive instruments are used.
The only minor discomforts may include feeling cold gel on your skin or slight pressure from the transducer (the device that produces the echo). There are no known risks or complications linked to a heart echo.

Technical Description

Echocardiography Equipment

At Prescan, we use the latest generation of echocardiography systems to conduct heart exams. An echocardiogram is a non-invasive procedure that utilises sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart and surrounding structures. Our echocardiography equipment provides detailed images of the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow, allowing early detection of any structural abnormalities or functional disorders in the heart.

Echocardiography Protocol

The echocardiography protocol at Prescan is developed in collaboration with cardiologists to ensure a thorough assessment of heart structure and function. During the test, a transducer is placed on the chest, emitting sound waves and capturing the reflected signals to form images of the heart. The cardiologist or echo technician may take images from various angles to obtain a comprehensive view of the heart. Standard measurements include assessing the size and function of the heart chambers, the thickness of the heart muscle, the functioning of the heart valves, and the speed and direction of blood flow.

While a standard echocardiography protocol is followed, the cardiologist may take additional images or adjust the test based on the client's individual condition, depending on findings during the exam.

Details

Provides insight into
Pros and cons
Alternatives
Risks
Technical description

Provides Insight Into

An ECG, also known as an electrocardiogram or heart tracing, measures the electrical activity of your heart. This test provides insight into how your heart beats and whether there are any abnormalities in heart rhythm or rate. It can reveal conditions such as an irregular heartbeat (like arrhythmias), a heart rate that is too fast or too slow, or problems with blood flow to the heart.

The ECG helps the cardiologist determine whether your heart is healthy or if there may be issues such as a blockage in the blood vessels or damage to the heart muscle. This test gives a comprehensive view of the overall functioning of your heart, allowing for timely intervention if anything is wrong.

Note: If you currently have heart-related symptoms or have been under the care of a cardiologist within the last 12 months, you cannot undergo preventative examinations with Prescan. A preventative health check is not intended for individuals with existing conditions or ongoing treatments. In such cases, you should contact your GP or cardiologist for further investigation and advice. If you are uncertain or have any questions, feel free to contact us on 074 255 9 255.

For more information about preventative medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

KNMG

RIVM

Pros and cons

Pros

An ECG is simple and painless, with no needles or invasive procedures.
The test takes only a few minutes, and results are available quickly.
It can quickly identify abnormalities in heart rhythm.
Helps detect heart problems such as damage or blockages.
The test is safe and can be repeated without risk.

Cons:

It only measures the heart's electrical activity at that moment.
Provides no information about the heart’s structural health or exertion-related issues.
A preventative test may sometimes detect benign heart abnormalities that pose no risk. This can lead to unnecessary worry or anxiety, especially if follow-up tests are needed to rule out serious issues.
In some cases, harmless abnormalities may mistakenly be seen as concerning, resulting in unnecessary follow-up tests. This can cause stress, even if it later proves that there is no issue. Prescan will not make a diagnosis or offer treatment in such cases but will refer you to your GP for further investigation.

Alternatives:

Possible alternatives to a preventative health check with an ECG include: Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound): This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It shows how well your heart pumps and whether the heart valves are functioning properly, useful for early detection of problems. Exercise test (bike test): During cycling, your heart activity is measured. This helps assess how your heart responds to exertion and can detect early issues such as narrowed blood vessels. MRI of the heart: This scan provides detailed images of the heart. It can help detect problems such as scar tissue or abnormalities in the heart muscle, useful for preventative checks. CT scan of the heart: This scan examines the blood vessels around the heart, helping to detect narrowing or blockages. This is important for early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Risks

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is generally a safe procedure, but there are a few minimal risks: Skin irritation: The electrodes placed on the skin can cause slight irritation or redness, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Discomfort: Some people may experience mild discomfort from the adhesive pads or when removing them after the test. * Incorrect results: In rare cases, an ECG may produce inaccurate results, leading to unnecessary concerns or further tests.

Technical Description

ECG Equipment

At Prescan, we use electrocardiogram (ECG) systems to accurately measure the heart's electrical activity. The ECG systems we utilise are 12-lead devices, providing a comprehensive view of heart activity from multiple angles. These systems are certified and comply with international standards for medical diagnostic equipment.

ECG Protocol

The ECG protocol at Prescan is specifically tailored for preventative medical examinations and has been developed in consultation with cardiologists. During the ECG, electrodes are placed at specific points on the chest and limbs, which then record the heart's electrical signals. These signals provide insights into heart rate, rhythm, and the electrical conduction through the heart.

Laboratory

vaccines Standard

Details

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Pros and cons
Alternatives
Risks
Technical description

Provides insight into

The Standard Laboratory Test provides insight into the functioning of important organs. It also helps to identify your health risks and potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Having blood drawn without a referral provides insight into your health risks and current health status.

For more information about preventive medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

Brochure from KNMG

RIVM Health Testing website

Parameters:

Glucose: This measures your blood sugar. A high value may indicate diabetes.
Total cholesterol: This is the sum of all cholesterol in your blood. Elevated levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Triglycerides: A type of fat in your blood. Too much can be harmful to your heart.
LDL cholesterol: Often called "bad" cholesterol. High levels can clog your blood vessels.
HDL cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol. Higher levels are usually beneficial, as they help remove bad cholesterol.
Gamma-GT: This enzyme indicates how well your liver is functioning. High levels may point to liver problems, for example due to alcohol use.
Creatinine: Shows how well your kidneys are functioning. High values may indicate kidney problems.
Sodium: An important mineral that helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
Potassium: A mineral needed for muscle and nerve function. Levels that are too high or too low can be dangerous.
eGFR: An estimate of your kidney function. A low value means your kidneys are not working properly.
VLDL: A type of lipid particle that also contributes to atherosclerosis. Too much is unfavorable.
TC/HDL ratio: The ratio between total cholesterol and HDL. The lower, the better.
non-HDL: All the "bad" cholesterol combined. A high value means more risk of heart disease.
Hemoglobin: A protein in your blood that carries oxygen. Low levels may indicate anemia.
Albumin: A protein important for fluid balance. Low levels may point to liver or kidney problems.
Alkaline phosphatase: This enzyme may indicate problems with your liver, bones, or bile ducts.
TSH: Measures how well your thyroid is functioning. Abnormal values may mean the thyroid is overactive or underactive.
ALAT: A liver enzyme that rises with liver cell damage, for example due to hepatitis or alcohol.
ASAT: Another liver enzyme, but also present in muscles. Elevated levels may indicate liver or muscle damage.
Total bilirubin: A waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels may indicate liver problems or bile obstruction.
Total protein: Measures all proteins in your blood. Abnormalities may point to liver, kidney, or nutritional issues.
Urea: A waste product of protein breakdown. Too much may indicate kidney problems or dehydration.
CRP: Measures inflammation in your body. A high value may indicate an infection or chronic inflammation.
PSA: Measures a substance that may indicate prostate problems, such as prostate cancer.
Urine test: Checks your urine for abnormalities such as proteins or bacteria, which may point to infections or kidney problems.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Early detection: It helps to identify issues such as diabetes or high cholesterol early, even before you experience any symptoms.
Health monitoring: It provides a good overview of your general health and can track any changes.
Prevention: By detecting abnormalities in time, you can prevent or reduce health problems by adjusting your lifestyle.
Lifestyle advice: With the results, you can receive personalised advice on how to improve your health.
Blood sampling is safe and can be repeated without risk.

Cons:

Unnecessary worries: Minor abnormalities can raise concerns, even if they do not require immediate treatment.
False-positive results: The test may indicate something is wrong when there is actually nothing to worry about. This can lead to extra stress and further investigations.
False-negative results: Sometimes issues are missed, which can provide a false sense of security.
Invasive: It requires a blood sample, which may be uncomfortable or stressful for some people.

Alternatives

There are no direct alternatives available for this examination.

Risks

Temporary pain or discomfort at the site of the blood draw.
Bruising or slight swelling at the puncture site.
In some cases, more than usual bleeding may occur, especially in people with blood clotting disorders or those using blood thinners.

Technical description

Laboratory protocol

The laboratory test at Prescan is carried out according to a standardized protocol. The blood sample is taken intravenously, which means the blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. The collected blood is placed in a tube containing an anticoagulant (such as EDTA).

This process is performed by experienced medical assistants, who ensure that the blood draw is safe, hygienic, and as comfortable as possible.

The urinalysis is performed using a urine sample provided by the client, in which several important parameters are measured. The determinations carried out during the laboratory test are:

Glucose
Total cholesterol
Triglycerides
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Gamma-GT
Creatinine
Sodium
Potassium
eGFR
VLDL
TC/HDL
non-HDL
Hemoglobin
Albumin
Alkaline phosphatase
TSH
ALAT
ASAT
Total bilirubin
Total protein
Urea
TSH
CRP
PSA
Urine test

Ultrasound

Procedure Upper abdominal ultrasound

Details

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Pros and cons
Alternatives
Risks
Technical description

Provides insight into

The primary purpose of this examination is to detect risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This includes assessing the size of the kidneys and the thickness of the cortex. A decrease in kidney size or a thin cortex may indicate reduced blood flow to the kidneys, possibly caused by atherosclerosis in the renal arteries.

In addition, the examination can determine whether fatty liver disease is present and, if so, to what extent. Fat accumulation in the liver can indicate an unhealthy lifestyle, such as excessive alcohol consumption or a high-fat diet. Being overweight can also contribute to fat storage in the liver. A fatty liver increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Prolonged fatty liver disease may also lead to liver cirrhosis, an irreversible condition in which scar tissue prevents the liver from functioning properly. Fortunately, fatty liver disease is reversible with lifestyle changes.

Furthermore, the diameter of the abdominal aorta is assessed. An enlarged diameter indicates an aneurysm, which must be monitored regularly. If the aorta becomes too wide, surgery may be required. Without intervention, there is a risk that the aorta may rupture, which in many cases leads to a fatal hemorrhage.

Finally, other abdominal organs such as the gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen are also assessed by the radiologist.

The results of the examination can be shared with your general practitioner. For more information about preventive medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

Brochure from KNMG

RIVM Health Testing website

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

With this examination, risk factors can often be detected at an early stage, allowing the risk to be reduced by addressing the underlying causes.

Disadvantages

With ultrasound examination, not every abnormality in the abdomen can be detected. This means that something may be present but not picked up during the examination. In some cases, a very serious condition may also be found for which no treatment is possible. Screening examinations can also lead to overdiagnosis. This means that a condition or risk factor is detected where early diagnosis does not lead to a better prognosis, but may still cause anxiety.

Alternatives

An alternative is an MRI scan of the upper abdomen. This can visualize the same organs and detect the same risk factors and conditions. Fatty liver disease can also be determined through blood tests, as it is often associated with elevated liver enzymes in the blood. A decrease in kidney size and cortex thickness may indicate reduced kidney function, which can likewise be demonstrated through blood tests.

Risks

There are no risks associated with the examination itself. Ultrasound examination uses sound waves, which are not harmful to the body.

Technical description

We use the latest ultrasound equipment from Philips. Many hospitals also use the same equipment.

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Cardio Vital Complete

What is examined in Cardio Vital Complete?

What does Cardio Vital Complete offer me?

Specifications Cardio Vital Complete

Cardiology

Provides insight into

Pros and cons

Pros:

Cons:

Alternatives:

Risks

Technical description

Exercise bike equipment

Exercise test protocol

Provides Insight Into

Pros and cons

Pros:

Cons:

Alternatives:

Risks:

Technical Description

Echocardiography Equipment

Echocardiography Protocol

Provides Insight Into

Pros and cons

Pros

Cons:

Alternatives:

Risks

Technical Description

ECG Equipment

ECG Protocol

Laboratory

Provides insight into

Parameters:

Pros and cons

Pros:

Cons:

Alternatives

Risks

Technical description

Laboratory protocol

Ultrasound

Provides insight into

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

Disadvantages

Alternatives

Risks

Technical description

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