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
Diagnosis relies on patient history, physical examination, and tests such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, stress testing, cardiac
Treatment ranges from lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy (antihypertensives, statins, antiplatelets, anticoagulants) to procedures. Revascularization methods include
Training typically involves medical school, residency in internal medicine, and a fellowship in cardiology, with additional
Cardiology addresses a major portion of the global burden of disease, as cardiovascular disorders remain leading