Medical Units: Cardiology
What is Cardiology?
Cardiology is a medical specialization that deals with diseases of the heart and vascular systems. This field aims to diagnose, treat, and monitor heart diseases to improve patients' quality of life.
Which Diseases Does Cardiology Cover?
The cardiology department focuses on a wide range of heart conditions:
Heart Attack: An emergency condition caused by the blockage of the heart's blood vessels.
Heart Failure: Inability of the heart to pump enough blood, often requiring long-term treatment.
Coronary Artery Disease: Disease caused by narrowing or blockage of the vessels supplying the heart muscle.
Arrhythmias: Irregular or abnormal heart rhythms requiring various treatment options.
Peripheral Vascular Diseases: Diseases of the blood vessels in distant body regions, often noticeable in the legs.
Aortic Vascular Diseases: Diseases affecting the large main artery called the aorta, requiring timely intervention.
Arteriosclerosis: Thickening and hardening of artery walls, reducing blood flow.
Hypertension: High blood pressure, a serious risk factor for heart and vascular health.
Hyperlipidemia and Dyslipidemia: Metabolic disorders associated with high cholesterol or lipid levels.
Tests Used in Cardiology Department
Cardiologists use various tests to diagnose diseases and guide treatment:
Exercise Stress Test: Assesses heart rhythm and function during exercise.
ECG (Electrocardiography): Measures and records the heart's electrical activity.
Echocardiography: Uses ultrasound to visualize the heart's structure and function.
Stress Echocardiography: Evaluates heart function during exercise.
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): Provides detailed images of the heart and major vessels via the esophagus.
Holter Monitor (Ambulatory ECG): Records heart rhythm and blood pressure continuously for 24-48 hours.
Angiography (Catheterization): Radiological imaging method used to detect vascular diseases.
Interventional Procedures in Cardiology Department
Cardiology is also known for advanced treatment methods and non-surgical interventions:
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): Minimal invasive approach for replacing heart valves.
Mitraclip Procedure: Used to treat mitral valve regurgitation.
Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty: Minimal invasive procedure for treating mitral valve stenosis.
Pulmonary Balloon Valvuloplasty: Used to correct pulmonary valve stenosis.
Closure of Atrial Septal Defects (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD), and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in children.
Septal Ablation: Treatment for abnormal areas in the heart wall.
Paravalvular Leak Closure: Procedure to close leaks around artificial heart valves.
Renal Denervation (Treatment of Hypertension): New method used in managing high blood pressure.
This content is for informational purposes only and provides general information on health topics. The information presented here should not be used for the purpose of diagnosing or treating any medical condition. If you have any concerns or symptoms related to your health, please consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Avoid applying treatment or management strategies on your own before seeking professional medical assistance for any health issue.