Cardiology
Cardiology is the branch which provide treatment of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels.
Who needs a cardiologist consultation?
Patients suffering from severe chest pain that can indicate a heart problem include :
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Changes in heart rate or rhythm
- High blood pressure.
Heart diseases that a cardiologist can help with:
- Atherosclerosis
- Atrial fibrilation
- Arrhythmias
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary heart disease
- Congestive heart disease
- Hypertension
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Pericarditis
The cardiologist can give advice about preventing heart disease.
A person may need to see a cardiologist even without symptoms, if they have a family history or heart disease or high cholesterol, if they are or have been a smoker, if they have diabetes.
What is heart attack?
A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. It usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. without blood, tissue loses oxygen
Symptoms of heart attack:
Discomfort in different areas of the body, such as in one or both arms, the neck, back or stomach.
- Pressure or fullness in the chest
- Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Cold sweat
Tests and procedure a cardiologist does:
- ECG – This records the electrical activity of heart.
- An exercise test, or stress test – This shows the changes of heart rhythm when resting and exercising. it measures the performance and limitations of the heart.
- Echocardiogram (2D ECHO) – 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. it can also measures how well 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 relive 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 diseases.
Pacemakers:
A pacemaker is a device that helps keep the heart beating regularly. it can represent a life- changing treatment for heart conditions such as arrhythmias, which involve the heart beating irregularly. it is generally not too dangerous, but there may be some risks.
Inserting a pacemaker into the chest requires minor surgery. The procedure is generally safe, but there are some risks. such as injury around the site of insertion.
Arrhythmias can prevent the heart from supplying blood properly. this can cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fainting
- A rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain.