Heart studies are referred to as cardiology. It is a branch of medicine that studies and treats issues related to the heart and blood vessels. Cardiology is the study and treatment of heart and blood vessel diseases.
A cardiologist examines the heart as part of internal medicine. A cardiac surgeon is different from a cardiologist. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs heart procedures.
The heart regulates blood flow in the body. As well as performing heart catheterizations, angioplasty, or pacemaker insertions, they may also perform other tests and procedures.
Cardiovascular disease affects both the heart and blood vessels at the same time, as opposed to heart disease, which affects only the heart.
Doctors in the United States are required to complete four years of medical school, three years of internal medicine training, and at least three years of cardiology training before they can become cardiologists.
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What are the signs that I need to see a cardiologist?
Patients who suffer from heart conditions may be referred to a cardiologists near you if they exhibit symptoms. The following heart conditions may be present:
- Problems with breathing
- Insomnia
- Feeling chest pains
- Heart rhythm or rate changes
- HYPERTENSION
An abnormal heart rhythm or heart murmur can be detected by cardiologists in some cases. Among their patients are many who are suffering from heart problems, such as heart attacks or heart failure. Angioplasties, stentings, and heart surgeries are based on their recommendations.
These diseases can be treated by a cardiologist:
- Anemia
- Fibrillation of the atria
- The embryomyopathies
- Heart defects that are congenital
- A condition affecting the heart
- Myopathy
- The triglyceride and cholesterol levels are high
- Blood pressure that is high
- Pectoral tendonitis
- Tightening the heart valves
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure
Heart disease can be prevented by consulting a cardiologist.
If you smoke, are diabetic, or are starting an exercise program, or have a family history of heart disease, you should see a cardiologist. Heart problems may develop later in pregnancy or after menopause in women with preeclampsia.
Cardiology entails what?
In addition to reviewing a patient’s medical history, a cardiologist will perform a physical examination.
Additionally, they may perform some tests, as well as checking the patient’s weight, heart, lungs, blood pressure, and blood vessels. Interventional cardiologists may also perform coronary thrombectomy along with angioplasties, stenting, valvuloplasties, and the correction of congenital heart defects.
Analyzing
The following tests can also be ordered or performed:
An EKG or ECG: The electric activity of the heart is recorded
An electrocardiogram in the ambulatory setting: During exercise or when performing their normal daily activities, it measures the heart rate of a person. In Holter monitors, tiny metal electrodes are attached to the chest to record the heart’s rhythm.
Exercise or stress tests: These factors determine the heart’s rate at rest and during exercise. Ultimately, the heart’s rate affects how well it functions.
Echocardiography: In the photo you can see how the heart works as well as how the chambers and surrounding areas are arranged.
An echocardiogram measures the heart’s cardiac output to determine how well it pumps blood. Pericarditis can be detected with this test. The heart valves can also be inspected for structural abnormalities or infections.
Catheterization of the heart: You can collect data and relieve blockages by placing a tube close to the heart. The device can take diagnostic data by taking pictures and checking the electrical system. In addition to catheter-based techniques and fluoroscopy, catheter-based techniques can also be used to treat valvular heart disease and coronary artery disease.
Imaging infarction may be done by using various techniques, such as single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT), planar imaging, or myocardial perfusion imaging.
Physiology of the cardiovascular system
A subspecialty of cardiology is cardiac electrophysiology. During an examination of heart muscle tissue, the doctor looks at how the electric current works, how it spreads, and what the pattern of the currents means. In electrophysiology, a catheter is threaded into a vein in the upper leg to study the heart. This is done with the aid of fluoroscopy, which guides it towards the heart. When the catheter has reached the heart, an assessment of its electrical signals is made.
Hope you enjoyed it. Also, read the pathophysiology of heart failure.
