Advanced Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques

Echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure using high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to take moving pictures of the heart and its related structures (e.g. valves). The Philips EPIQ CVx ultrasound system is the latest generation of echocardiography system, it brings superb image quality and streamlines evaluation of cardiac function, allowing diagnostic confidence for patients with cardiac conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, coronary disease and heart failure.

Two types of echo can be performed:

Coronary CT angiography (or Cardiac CT – also called MDCT (Multi-Detector Computed Tomography) Coronary Angiography with Calcium Scoring) is a new imaging technique that allows high resolution pictures to be taken of the coronary arteries surrounding the heart. It is the most sensitive non-invasive test for detecting coronary disease and blockages without interventional procedures or a hospital stay. It is especially useful in determining whether or not the coronary arteries are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest discomfort.

A cardiac CT enables the entire heart to be imaged in less than half a second and provides a clear, three-dimensional picture of the heart, aorta, pulmonary vessels and coronary arteries. Cardiac CT may be used to look at the structure of the heart, but the most common use is CT coronary angiography: using the CT scanner to image the coronary arteries and diagnose blockages and cholesterol deposits, common causes of heart attacks.

Exercise stress test allows to assess the response of your heart to the increased workload and demand for blood during exercise by monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, and blood pressure while you walk/run on a treadmill or uses a stationary bike. Usually an echocardiography is performed immediately after the end of the exercise. This combined ECG and ultrasonography stress investigation helps diagnose coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and assess heart health under stress. 

If you are unable to exercise, we can perform either a Dobutamine stress echocardiogram or a Dobutamine Myocardial Perfusion Scan to measure how your heart will respond to stress under medically supervised conditions. 

In Vietnam, FV Hospital is one of the few hospitals with the expertise and facilities to perform this specialised test.

Sports cardiology consultations are for assessment of athletes and non-athletes.

A CPET is a progressive exercise test performed while wearing a facemask to measure breathing, oxygen use, and cardiovascular response in real time. It directly measures VO₂ max and includes continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring, alongside lung function testing (spirometry), to provide a comprehensive assessment of your cardiorespiratory health and exercise performance.

CPET shows how your heart, lungs, and muscles work together during exercise, identifying exactly what limits performance and quantifies precise training zones.

CPET is suitable for anyone aged 18 and above, from recreational athletes to elite performers. The test is safe and can be conducted on individuals with existing health conditions. When you book, we’ll review your medical history to ensure the test is appropriate and tailored to your safety.