Cardiology

Cardiology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system). Cardiologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent conditions such as:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Coronary artery disease (heart attacks and angina)
Heart failure
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
Heart valve disease
Congenital heart disease
Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)

Common tests used in cardiology include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
Stress testing
Holter or event monitoring
Cardiac CT or MRI
Coronary angiography (cardiac catheterization)

Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive procedures (such as angioplasty and stent placement), or referral for cardiac surgery when needed.