Read 49 times since Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Cardiology is a specialty of medicine that studies and evaluates the structure and functioning of the heart and circulatory system, which is responsible for circulating the blood throughout the body.
Due to the high incidence of heart problems and the rate of mortality from heart disease around the world, it is important conduct routine checkups by a cardiologist. Those at risk should be alerted by symptoms such as palpitations, rhythm disturbances of the heartbeat, fatigue and shortness of breath or chest pain.
Cardiologists evaluate the patient and determine the status of the cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels) by auscultation in the office and studies. Tests that assess the state of the cardiovascular system include:
- Measuring Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram or heart ultrasound
- Ultrasound of the coronary arteries (supplying blood to the heart)
- Review of cardiac stress during exercise
- Catheterization (introduction of a catheter into the heart)
- Cardiac Monitoring
- Heart muscle biopsy
The aim of cardiovascular evaluation is to identify different types of heart disease or defects in the anatomy and functioning of the heart muscle, structural defects in the valves that regulate the passage of blood inside the heart, enlarged heart, blockage of blood flow in the arteries, and congenital heart defects.
When necessary, a cardiologist may recommend treatment such as surgical repair of the heart or heart valve replacement, bypass surgery or placement of a stent to clear clogged arteries and, in special cases, transplantation.
Normal heart activity and the regular flow of blood throughout the body are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To prevent cardiovascular problems it is recommended to maintain a low-fat healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoid tobacco smoking.
On a personal note, I was also affected by heart disease. My grandparents suffered from this and high cholesterol. In order to be preventative, I make sure to get regular check ups at a doctor's office. This way I monitor my health, and make sure to keep a healthy diet and exercise. I'm young, however research shows that the idea that women are protected from heart disease until they go through menopause is false. Therefore I watch the food I eat and I go to the gym at least three times a week. Heart disease isn't only deadly, it's disheartening. Many people even suffer from depression after a heart attack. So to avoid both the risk of heart disease and its side effects, I live healthy now to stay healthy in the future. Maria Gonzales, Health Writer for Medico.com.
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