Cardiology

Cardiology is a specialty that deals with disorders of the heart and the cardiovascular system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology.

In recent times, the focus of the field has shifted to preventative cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation due to increased cardiovascular disease burdens at earlier ages. According to the World Health Organisation, 37% of all premature deaths around the globe are due to cardiovascular diseases. Preventative cardiology concerns routine preventative check-ups through non-invasive tests and general physical examination to detect cardiovascular diseases at an early age. This involves assessing and managing risk factors for heart diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, with the goal of preventing cardiovascular problems.

Some of the more common heart conditions are:

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) — acute coronary syndrome is a term used to describe a spectrum of clinical conditions resulting from a sudden reduction or blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a medical emergency and requires prompt attention and intervention.

Angina — angina is a medical condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is usually a symptom of an underlying heart problem, often related to coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. When the blood flow to the heart is restricted, it can lead to chest pain or discomfort known as angina.

Arteriosclerosis — arteriosclerosis is a general term that refers to the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of the arteries. It is a condition that typically develops as a part of the aging process but can also be influenced by various risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, and genetics. There are different types of arteriosclerosis, and a common subtype is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fatty material called atheroma (or plaque) inside of arteries. It is a potentially serious condition that causes most heart attacks and strokes but often goes unnoticed.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) — dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition characterised by an enlarged and weakened heart muscle. When the heart muscle becomes dilated, it loses its ability to pump blood effectively, leading to reduced heart function. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and an increased risk of heart failure.

Heart Palpitations — heart palpitations refer to the sensation of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats. While palpitations can be unsettling, they are often harmless and can be caused by various factors some of which are: stress, nicotine and caffeine, hormonal changes, certain medication, heart condition. If you are experiencing persistent or severe palpitations, it’s important to consult with your doctor who may run an ECG test.

Myocarditis — myocarditis is a medical condition characterised by inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular tissue of the heart. This inflammation can weaken the heart muscle and affect its ability to pump blood efficiently. Myocarditis can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases.

Treatments may include: