Medically reviewed by Dr Zacharias Kounnis, Cardiologist
"Examining the patient is the first step, but examining the patient completely is the art of truly understanding their journey to health."
An integrated approach to the patient is a foundation of medical practice that goes back to the time of Hippocrates. Every patient is unique, so every patient needs a personal approach. During a visit, the examination should be as complete as possible: the cardiologist's knowledge, technology and clinical skill, used together, lead to effective solutions and spare the patient unnecessary difficulties.
A complete cardiovascular assessment involves much more than reviewing test results. During a cardiology examination, the doctor assesses heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, circulation, breathing, swelling and other physical findings that can reveal important information not obvious from symptoms alone.
The examination is combined with tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, blood pressure monitoring or other investigations when needed. Together they build a clear picture and show whether further investigation, treatment or monitoring is required.
The three cases below, from our practice in Limassol, show why this matters.
A 42-year-old man came to us for help with his blood pressure. Despite several treatment programmes, it was not improving, and standard cardiology tests had not explained why.
A more detailed ultrasound of the kidneys revealed a severe form of polycystic kidney disease. This precise diagnosis allowed the right treatment for his kidney condition to begin, and showed the value of a comprehensive, individualised diagnostic approach.
🎥 Watch Dr Kounnis discuss this case on YouTube (Part 2)
A 65-year-old woman was facing a possible mitral valve replacement because of severe mitral regurgitation (a leaking heart valve). At first, surgery seemed the only option.
We were not sure how well her blood pressure was controlled, and in mitral regurgitation this matters a great deal: high blood pressure can make the valve leak look worse than it is. A 24-hour blood pressure monitor showed that her blood pressure was a significant problem.
Once her blood pressure was brought under control, the severity of the valve leak fell from severe to moderate. She no longer needed valve replacement and is doing well on medication alone.
🎥 Watch Dr Kounnis discuss this case on YouTube (Part 4)
A 69-year-old man was referred by his doctor with easy fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling of the legs. Heart failure seemed the most likely diagnosis.
A detailed examination at our centre found no signs of heart failure. We then performed lung ultrasound, which showed an abnormal area in the upper part of the left lung. A CT scan confirmed a tumour, and he was referred straight away for oncology treatment. Instead of pursuing the wrong diagnosis, he received the right treatment without delay. You can read more about cases like this in our article on lung ultrasound in cardiology.
🎥 Watch Dr Kounnis discuss this case on YouTube (Part 3)
Every patient is different. We cannot look only at the obvious problem; we need to understand the patient's overall health. A closer, more rounded approach can avoid unnecessary surgery, reveal hidden conditions and lead to simpler, more effective solutions. From the wisdom of Hippocrates to modern cardiology, individualised care remains the principle we follow.
A cardiology assessment may be appropriate if you have chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, unexplained fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance. People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease also benefit from regular cardiovascular evaluation.
To book an appointment with Dr Zacharias Kounnis, call +357 25 389696 or contact our cardiology centre in Limassol.
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