Cardiology

Cardiology is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system).

Common heart diseases:

• Coronary Artery Disease (blockages in heart vessels)
• Heart Failure (weakened heart muscle)
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Valvular Heart Disease (problems with heart valves)
• Congenital Heart Disease (present from birth)

Diagnostic tools:

• ECG (Electrocardiogram)
• Echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the heart)
• Stress tests
• Cardiac Catheterization/Angiography

Treatments options:

• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise)
• Medications (like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)
• Interventions (stents, pacemakers)
• Surgery (bypass, valve repair/replacement)

Cardiology specialists:

• General cardiologists
• Interventional cardiologists (perform procedures)
• Electrophysiologists (focus on heart rhythms)
• Cardiac surgeons (perform heart surgeries)