kardiologi

Kardiologi is the branch of medicine that focuses on disorders of the heart and blood vessels. It includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease as well as vascular conditions. Cardiology covers both non-invasive assessment—such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, and imaging—and invasive procedures performed by cardiologists, often in collaboration with other specialties. The field aims to reduce symptoms, improve function, and extend survival.

Key areas include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and peripheral vascular disorders. Risk factor management—hypertension, diabetes, smoking, lipids—along with lifestyle modification plays a central role. Cardiologists also engage in preventive cardiology and long-term management of chronic conditions.

Training typically involves completing medical school, a residency in internal medicine, and a cardiology fellowship, followed by optional subspecialization in areas such as interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac imaging, or heart failure and transplant. Common diagnostic and therapeutic tools include echocardiography, electrocardiography, stress testing, cardiac MRI and CT, coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, pacemakers and defibrillators, and catheter ablation. Team-based care often includes nurses, technologists, radiographers, and allied health professionals.

The field has contributed to major advances in understanding and treating heart disease, transforming outcomes for many patients. Cardiology continues to evolve with innovations in imaging, genomics, pharmacology, and minimally invasive therapies, aiming to personalize care and prevent cardiovascular events across populations.