Cardiology

Cardiology is a branch of medicine specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and its blood vessels.

Common conditions managed by a cardiologist

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most prevalent heart conditions. It occurs when the coronary arteries narrow or become blocked due to atherosclerotic plaque buildup within their walls. Management ranges from medications such as aspirin and statins, to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with balloon angioplasty and stent placement, up to surgery in advanced cases performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon.
• Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It is classified according to the heart’s ejection fraction, and treatment includes a range of medications as well as a pacemaker in advanced cases.
• Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Treatment aims to achieve a blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg in accordance with the latest American Heart Association guidelines, through lifestyle modification and appropriate medications.
• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by irregular and disorganized electrical activity in the atria, which increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. It is managed with anticoagulants to prevent clotting, medications to control heart rate or rhythm, and catheter ablation in select cases.
• Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases affecting the structure and function of the heart muscle, including hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy. Treatment ranges from medications to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for the prevention of sudden cardiac death.
• Valvular heart disease encompasses narrowing (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation) of the heart valves, most commonly aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Treatment options range from regular monitoring to catheter-based intervention or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and heart function.
• Cardiac rehabilitation and risk factor modification involves structured programs comprising supervised exercise, dietary guidance, lifestyle changes, and medications to manage CAD, hypertension, and high cholesterol, with the goal of improving heart health and reducing the risk of future cardiac events.