Cardiology in Kiev

Cardiology is a branch of medicine concerned with disorders of the heart. It is the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such conditions as heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, and much more. Doctors who specialize in this branch of internal medicine are known as a cardiologist.

What Does Cardiology Involve?

Cardiology involves tests, including electrocardiogram to record the electrical activity of the heart, exercise test to see the changes of heart rhythm, echocardiogram that provides an ultrasound picture showing the structure of the heart, and cardiac catheterization to collect data and help relieve a blockage. There are numerous different treatments within cardiology for various different heart disorders, such as valvuloplasties, angioplasties, stenting, congenital heart defect corrections, as well as coronary thrombectomies. Nearly all treatments for heart diseases are major surgery and are performed under general anesthetic. 

How Long Should You Stay in Kiev?

Your length of stay in Kiev depends on which procedure you underwent. In general, you need to stay in the hospital for several days and also to stay in the country for an additional fourteen days or until your cardiologist allows you to travel home.

How Long is the Recovery Time?

The recovery period can be different from one person to another, depending on your overall health and any complications. You should expect to progressively regain your energy and go back to your normal activity level in about four to eight weeks after treatment, particularly following surgical treatments. 

What Aftercare Should You Consider?

You may need to attend regular follow-up appointments, either with your cardiologist in Kiev or in your home country. You must make some lifestyle adjustments after you recover, including eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and limit your alcohol intake, to prevent future heart disease or complications. Your cardiologist may recommend you to get a cardiac rehabilitation, which will improve your health after treatment and help you recover after surgery.

What is the Success Rate for Cardiology?

Generally, the success rate depends on the specific procedure and your specific condition. Cardiology has helped millions of people around the world and if performed by experts, the risk of serious complications is very low. However, just like any other treatment, there are some risks to be aware of, such as bleeding, stroke, heart rhythm problems, blood clots, infection, valve dysfunction, and death.

Are there Alternatives to Cardiology?

Those who suffer from heart disorders do not have any other alternatives besides going to a cardiologist. However, if you do not want to undergo surgery or take any medication, you need to talk to your surgeon for the best alternative for your specific case.

What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?

Disorders of the heart can be dangerous, life-threatening, cause painful symptoms, and interfere with your ability to perform daily activities. After you have been treated by a cardiologist, you may be cured of your disease and your symptoms are relieved. 

Cardiology in and around Kiev

About Kiev

Kiev or Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It is an important educational, cultural, industrial, and scientific center. The city is overflowing with beauty, from religious history, astonishing architecture, vintage cafes, to urban art.

Kiev sees an increasing number of medical tourists each year and the city even hosts an annual medical tourism fair called The Healthcare Travel Expo. The fair gives an opportunity for medical services to present and inform health care. Visitors can get comprehensive information about medical tourism around the world, particularly in Kiev.

The city offers a wide range of medical treatments with almost no waiting list. Affordable treatments that cost significantly less than other European countries are a strong factor in Kiev’s medical tourism. The city also offers experienced doctors, caring staff, as well as world-class clinics and hospitals. One of the best medical facilities in Kiev is Dobro Clinic. Breast Augmentation procedures, dentistry, and laser eye surgery are among the most sought after medical procedures.

Popular Areas in Kiev

Kiev is a magical city. The city is plagued with its history and filled with golden dome churches. It is also known to be a good value. Tourists can dine in restaurants and drink at cocktail bars for a fraction of what they would cost in the West. Kiev is fast becoming a thriving tourist destination.

• Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra, located on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its underground caves, spiritual atmosphere, and mummified monks are what make the historical and sacred site famous and intriguing. The monastery’s gold-domed churches will give you a breathtaking view.
• Maidan Nezalezhnosti literally means the Independence Square. It is the most beautiful square in Kiev and the symbol of Ukraine. The square is the country’s meeting point for celebration and is also locals and tourists favorite walking place.
• Saint Sophia's Cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra. The cathedral was built to celebrate Prince Yaroslav’s victory in protecting Kiev. The phenomenal architecture and interior is a masterpiece. Tourists should climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Kiev.
• Andriyivsky Uzviz is filled with remnants of the past, from museums, art galleries, to theatres. Tourist will find an array of vendors selling souvenir, arts, and crafts. Local calls Andriyivsky Uzviz as “the most charming street.” A stroll in the street is a refreshing break from the city.

Weather and Climate in Kiev

Kiev has a humid continental climate.  

• Summers starts from June and lasts until September with the average temperature ranging between 18 – 25 °C with occasional rain showers. Summers are the busiest time as the tourists can experience the parks and sidewalk café to the fullest.
• Autumn has a mild temperature and characterized by significant rainfall. The season is relatively short, starting from September to October.
• Winters can be harsh and long. The average temperature is around 1.8 to -3.5 °C. Some days the temperature drops to -30 °C.
• Spring begins with the melting of snow and ice, usually around late March. The average temperature will increase to 15 - 20 °C. Spring months usually have strong and gusty winds.

Getting Around in Kiev

Located 29km east of Kiev, Boryspil International Airport is the largest airport in the city. The airport serves domestic flights connects the city with Europe and several cities in Asia. Boryspil International Airport is the hub for Ukraine International Airlines and serves budget airlines including Lauda, Ryanair, and Sky Up airlines.

Airport taxis are available for tourists who want to go to the city center. The taxis use meters and are relatively cheap. Some taxis accept payment by credit cards. Buses are a more affordable option to get to the city center; Sky Bus departs from Terminal D and Terminal B. The bus will take tourists from Boryspil International Airport and should cost around 60 UAH or 100 UAH depending on the destination.

Taxis are easily available in Kiev but metered taxis are very rare. Make sure to agree on the fare before getting in. A long journey in Kiev should cost around 70 UAH. Shortstops start from 15 to 20 UAH. Taxis can be ordered by phone, and the prices are usually fixed. Uber and Uklon are available in Kiev.

Trolleybuses, trams, and buses are a nice way to get around Kiev while providing a better view of everyday Ukrainian life. Single tickets can be purchased from the street kiosk; 30-day combo-passes are also available. The Kiev Metro is the least expensive and most reliable mode of transport. There are three metro lines that go through the city center. Maps in metro stations are written in both Ukrainian and English.

Tourist Visas in Kiev

Citizens of the European Union, Canada, the United States, and several other nations are granted visa-free entry and can stay in Kiev for up to 90 days. Other countries nationals (including China, India, and Thailand) need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. Visa-on-arrival arrangements are available for tourists at major airports and seaports. e-Visa is also available for only 52 specified countries. All visitors need to have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from Ukraine.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH). 1 USD converts to 28 UAH.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available across the city. Currency exchange points are very common, but withdrawing money from ATMs is the easiest and safest option. Credit Cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in most restaurants and hotels. It is wise to always carry cash since many shops and restaurants still accept cash only. Tipping in Ukraine is common but not necessary.
3. Local Language: Ukrainian is the official language. English is not widely spoken. However, hotel staff and tourist guides will speak some English. Plenty of street signs use both Cyrillic and the Latin alphabets.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Orthodox Christianity is the largest religion in Kiev. There are small groups of Jews, Buddhist, Pagan, and Hindus.
5. Public Holidays: As in the rest of Ukraine, Kiev also celebrates major Orthodox holy days. The city also celebrates its birthday every May and the celebration is called ‘Days of Kiev.’ Maslyana is also celebrated annually but the date changes each year.