Cardiology

Cardiology is a segment of medicine that deals with abnormalities and diseases of the heart. If a family doctor has a patient who is having unexplained chest pains, they would refer them to a Cardiologist. The main job of the Cardiologist is to determine if the patient has a serious heart condition. In addition to performing a full examination, the Cardiologist will spend time talking to the patient about their daily activities and the pain they experience at each interval.

Cardiologist Assist Other Physicians

Often called in to assist another doctor, a cardiologist will provide a consult on any phase of treatment prior to and after surgery. To properly track the patient's heart health the cardiologist will assist a surgeon prior to, during, and even after surgery. This is especially helpful if the patient has a preexisting heart issue.

Because Cardiology is a specialist profession, they are accustomed to hearing things that other doctors aren't when it comes to listening to the heart with a stethoscope. This basic exam technique can provide a great deal of information to a cardiologist. The most common procedures that a cardiologist performs are the EKG (electrocardiogram), cardiac catheterization, and ECG (echocardiography). Each of these procedures aids in evaluating and diagnosing conditions of the heart.

Cardiology is About More than Treatment of Existing Problems

Cardiologists offer advice and information to patients to help them prevent forms of cardiac disease. This advice however, is best if received early on before problems start. Most patients don't see a cardiologist until they are advanced in age and are struggling with heart issues. When a patient is seen at a younger age, they have a better chance of applying preventive techniques that can help them prevent heart issues that come up in older ages. Daily exercise and a healthy diet goes a long way toward heart disease prevention.

A cardiologist works to surround themselves in advanced technology so they can always stay ahead of new opportunities to help their patients heal their conditions when possible. Cardiology gives physicians the chance to learn about new discoveries in medicine, and to explore the function and physiology of the heart more in depth. Cardiology is derived from Greek origins. The word "cardia" relates to the heart and "logy" is the study of. It is a branch of medicine focused on disorders and diseases of the heart. This can range from acquired diseases to congenital defects. Some of these may include congestive heart failure and coronary heart disease.