Cardiology

Cardiology is a medical specialty focusing on disorders of the heart and circulatory system. It covers prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting cardiac function and blood vessels. Physicians who specialize in this field are called cardiologists. Cardiology also encompasses related imaging and procedural disciplines, including interventional cardiology and electrophysiology, and it interacts with other specialties such as vascular medicine and cardiac surgery.

Common cardiovascular diseases include coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias (for example atrial fibrillation), valvular heart disease, and congenital heart disease. Risk factors include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a family history of heart disease.

Diagnosis relies on patient history, physical examination, and tests such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, stress testing, cardiac MRI or CT, and invasive angiography when needed.

Treatment ranges from lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy (antihypertensives, statins, antiplatelets, anticoagulants) to procedures. Revascularization methods include percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting. Valve repair or replacement, device therapy such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy are used in selected cases. Electrophysiology studies and ablation treat certain arrhythmias. Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention are important components of care.

Training typically involves medical school, residency in internal medicine, and a fellowship in cardiology, with additional subspecialty certification in areas such as interventional cardiology or electrophysiology. Organizations such as the American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology publish guidelines and set standards for practice.

Cardiology addresses a major portion of the global burden of disease, as cardiovascular disorders remain leading causes of death worldwide, but advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment continue to improve outcomes.