Cardiology

Cardiology is the medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart and blood vessels.

A cardiologist is a specialised doctor who diagnoses and treats heart diseases and conditions. They perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests, interpret results, provide treatment plans, and offer guidance on heart health and disease prevention.

You should consider seeing a cardiologist if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, or if you have a family history of heart disease. Additionally, if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it’s advisable to consult a cardiologist for preventive care.

Common risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes, family history of heart disease, sedentary lifestyle, stress and age (risk increases with age).

Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arms, jaw, neck or back, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a heart attack.

HIgh blood pressure is diagnosed through blood pressure measurements. Management may involve lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, stress reduction, and medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart, resulting in chest pain (angina), heart attacks, or other heart-related complications.

Treatment options for coronary artery disease may include lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), medications (e.g., cholesterol-lowering drugs, antiplatelet therapy), angioplasty with stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. It can manifest as a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), slow heartbeat (bradycardia), or irregular heartbeat. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others may require medical intervention.

Arrhythmias can be diagnosed through tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, or event monitoring. Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, implantable devices (pacemakers, defibrillators), or procedures like catheter ablation.