Cardiology is a medicine that deals with the treatment of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system is responsible for pumping and circulating blood throughout the body. It also carries oxygen and nutrients to all cells.
What does a cardiologist do?
Your cardiologist can treat chest pain, high blood pressure, and heart failure, also they’ll treat any problems with heart valves, blood vessels, and other heart and vascular issues. A cardiologist's task includes a physical exam, and discussing your symptoms and family medical history; so it’s important to let them know about any existing family heart problems since it increases your chances of having heart problems. Some information your cardiologist will ask for are:
Weight
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Blood glucose (sugar) levels
Afterward, taking into consideration this information and any test results, your doctor will figure out your chances of having heart problems. Also, they may ask, if you smoke, how much you exercise, what you eat, and which medicines you’re taking.
When would I need a Cardiologist?
Having any of these heart condition symptoms may get you referred to a cardiologist:
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Chest pains
Changes in heart rate or rhythm
High blood pressure
Cardiologists often treat patients who’ve had a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart problems. Heart diseases that a cardiologist can help with include:
Atherosclerosis
Atrial fibrillation
Arrhythmia
Congenital heart disease
Coronary heart disease
Congestive heart disease
High blood cholesterol and triglycerides
Hypertension
Pericarditis
Ventricular tachycardia
High blood pressure, or hypertension
What diseases do cardiologists treat or help you prevent?
Atherosclerosis
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Angina (chest pain)
Sudden cardiac arrest
Heart failure
Heart attack
Blood clots
Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders
Endocarditis
Cardiogenic shock
Heart valve problems
Cardiomyopathy
Myocarditis
Problems with your aorta (aneurysm, stenosis)
Problems with your arteries (peripheral artery disease, subclavian artery disease, renal artery disease, coronary artery disease)
Stroke
What kind of tests does a cardiologist order?
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This records the electrical activity of the heart.
Ambulatory ECG: This records heart rhythms while the person carries out exercise or regular activities. Small metal electrodes are stuck onto the chest, and these are connected by wires to a Holter monitor, which records the rhythms.
Exercise test, or stress test: This shows the changes in heart rhythm when resting and exercising. It measures the performance and limitations of the heart.
Echocardiogram: This provides an ultrasound picture that shows the structure of the heart chambers and surrounding areas, and it can show how well the heart is working. Echocardiography can measure how well the heart is pumping blood, known as cardiac output. It can detect inflammation around the heart, known as pericarditis. It can also identify structural abnormalities or infections of the heart valves.
Cardiac catheterization: A small tube in or near the heart collects data and may help relieve a blockage. It can take pictures and check the functioning of the heart and the electrical system. Catheter-based techniques with fluoroscopy can be used to treat congenital cardiac, valvular, and coronary artery diseases.
Nuclear cardiology: nuclear imaging techniques use radioactive materials to study cardiovascular disorders and diseases in a non-invasive way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cardiology is a vital branch of medicine that plays a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, from congenital defects and arrhythmias to coronary artery disease and heart failure. Advancements in cardiology, such as minimally invasive surgical procedures, innovative medications, and sophisticated diagnostic tools, have significantly improved patient outcomes. However, heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, underscoring the importance of ongoing research, preventive care, and public education in cardiology. As our understanding of the heart and vascular system continues to grow, so too will the capabilities of cardiology to enhance and save lives.