Kardiologiaan

Kardiologiaan is the Finnish term for cardiology, the medical specialty focused on the heart and circulatory system. It encompasses the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the heart, blood vessels, and related structures. Core areas include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular disease, congenital heart conditions, and vascular disorders, with an emphasis on reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Cardiology relies on patient history and physical examination, supported by a range of diagnostic tools. Electrocardiography (ECG) records electrical activity of the heart, while echocardiography uses ultrasound to assess structure and function. Exercise stress testing evaluates cardiac performance under exertion. Advanced imaging, such as cardiac MRI and CT, provides detailed views of anatomy and pathology. Invasive techniques include coronary angiography to visualize vessels. Electrophysiology studies investigate rhythm disorders, and interventional cardiology offers procedures like angioplasty and stent placement. Device therapies include pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, and resynchronization devices. Medical management features antiplatelet agents, statins, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and drugs for heart failure and diabetes, among others.

Training in cardiology typically follows medical school and internal medicine residency, followed by a cardiology fellowship. Subspecialties include interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure and transplant, imaging, and preventive cardiology, each with focused expertise.

Public health and research aspects address the global burden of cardiovascular disease, risk-factor modification, guideline-directed therapy, and equitable access to care. Ongoing research explores genetics, precision medicine, new imaging modalities, device innovations, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve diagnosis and outcomes.