Cardiology

Cardiology is the branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, valve disorders, and hypertension. Care in this branch spans diagnostic testing, medication-based management, and catheter-based procedures such as angioplasty and stenting.

Patients are seen in this branch both for new symptoms, such as chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath, and for the ongoing management of a previously diagnosed heart condition. When a case requires surgery rather than a catheter-based procedure, care is coordinated with the Cardiovascular Surgery branch.

Diagnosis in cardiology often relies on tests such as an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or stress test to evaluate how well the heart is functioning. Because many heart conditions are linked to risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, ongoing management typically combines medication with lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up is important even after symptoms improve.