Cardiac and vascular examinations in Paris

It is worth seeing a cardiologist in several situations: when you have symptoms (chest pain, palpitations, fainting, unusual breathlessness, swelling of the legs); for the follow-up of a known heart condition; if you have cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, smoking, inactivity, diabetes, significant stress, a family history of cardiovascular disease); for cardiovascular prevention, typically from the age of 50 to 55; and before resuming a sporting activity. Depending on your symptoms, we may arrange a cardiac check-up, an ECG, an echocardiogram or a consultation with a heart rhythm specialist. If pain is intense and lasting, or you faint with loss of consciousness, that's an emergency: call 15 (SAMU) or 112 rather than booking a routine appointment.

We perform the full range of cardiac and vascular tests in one place: ECG, trans-thoracic echocardiogram, Holter (ambulatory rhythm recording), MAPA (ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), overnight sleep polygraphy, stress test and vascular Doppler ultrasound. That means we can move from a first check-up to a precise diagnosis without sending you elsewhere. If a rhythm disorder is suspected, our heart rhythm specialist interprets the recordings and defines treatment. Most examinations are painless and need little or no preparation.

Yes. We diagnose and manage heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation (fibrillation auriculaire) and extrasystoles, through our heart rhythm specialist working alongside the wider team. Assessment usually starts with a cardiologist, an ECG and a Holter recording; the rhythm specialist then evaluates the risk and the best management. Because atrial fibrillation can be silent, regular screening matters, particularly with risk factors present. Managing it combines treating the rhythm itself and reducing stroke risk, so having a cardiologist and a heart rhythm specialist in the same team keeps that followed end to end.

No. The ECG, echocardiogram, Holter monitors, vascular Doppler and sleep polygraphy are all painless and use no radiation. Only the stress test involves real physical effort, always under continuous medical supervision, adapted to your ability and stopped at the first abnormal sign. For most tests you simply lie relaxed while the tracing or images are recorded. If anything worries you beforehand, the secretariat can explain exactly how a test works: an examination you understand is always easier to go through.