Cardiology

Cardiology

What is Cardiology?

Cardiology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders involving the heart and circulatory system. Cardiology is a highly specialized field requiring four years of medical school, three years of internal medicine residency, and two-to-four years of cardiology fellowship or training.

Why should I see a cardiologist?

Your primary care physician may refer you to a cardiologist if you exhibit any of the risk factors or symptoms of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Almost 60 million American citizens have cardiovascular disease, and 50 million Americans have high blood pressure (also called hypertension).

What's involved when you see a cardiologist?

A thorough medical history and a physical exam are standard procedures for your first visit to the office of a cardiologist. This information will help the cardiologist determine if further tests are required. you may have blood tests to check your cholesterol, and you may have an EKG (electrocardiogram). This simple test graphically records the electrical activity of the heart and can reveal evidence of heart attacks or insufficient blood supply to the heart. Other tests, such as an echocardiogram, electro-physiology, exercise stress test, vascular studies, or nuclear imaging test may also be ordered. The results of these teests will help your cardiologist determine the best treatment for your diagnosis.

Your cardiologist may also tell you that further diagnostic testing, such as cardiac catheterization, is necessary. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure at the hospital. Or your cardiologist may tell you that lifestyle changes, such as modifications to your diet or a regular exercise program, are needed. Being placed on special medications is another possibility.