Cardiology
Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the cardiovascular system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology.
Cardiologists frequently address a range of cardiology-related conditions, which may encompass
- A heart arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat, occurs when the electrical signals that regulate the heart’s rhythm malfunction. These issues with signaling can result in the heart beating too quickly (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or irregularly.
- Aortic valve stenosis results in the constriction and narrowing of the valve located between the heart’s primary pumping chamber (left ventricle) and the body’s principal artery (aorta). This narrowing leads to a diminished opening for the passage of blood, causing a decrease or blockage in blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
- Marfan syndrome, an inherited disorder, impacts connective tissue, the fibers providing support and anchorage for organs and structures in the body. It primarily manifests in the heart, eyes, blood vessels, and skeleton.
- Rheumatic heart disease, arising as a complication of rheumatic fever, is a systemic immune condition triggered by a beta-hemolytic streptococcal throat infection. This condition represents a significant form of acquired heart disease affecting individuals of all ages worldwide.
- Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of your heart’s valves malfunction, disrupting the normal flow of blood. Your heart comprises four valves responsible for maintaining proper blood circulation, and in certain instances, these valves fail to open or close correctly.
- Pericardial effusion, characterized by an excess accumulation of fluid in the pericardium, the double-layered sac around the heart, is a medical condition. Normally, a thin layer of fluid resides within the space between these layers.
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels is consistently too high (140/90 mmHg). It is common and poses health risks if untreated. Many with high blood pressure have no symptoms, so regular monitoring is vital for early detection and management.
- Congenital heart disease, often referred to as a heart defect, encompasses structural issues in the heart present from birth. These abnormalities arise due to improper formation of the heart or blood vessels during fetal development. Approximately eight out of every 1,000 infants born in the United States annually are affected by a heart defect.
- Pericardial effusion, characterized by an excess accumulation of fluid in the pericardium, the double-layered sac around the heart, is a medical condition. Normally, a thin layer of fluid resides within the space between these layers.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, typically in the legs. If a fragment of the DVT clot dislodges and reaches the lungs, it results in a life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). Venous thromboembolism (VTE) encompasses DVT, PE, or a combination of both. VTE often recurs and may lead to lasting complications, such as post-thrombotic syndrome following DVT or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after a PE.
- Coronary Artery Disease: This condition results from the accumulation of cholesterol deposits, known as plaque, within the coronary arteries, leading to their gradual narrowing—a process referred to as atherosclerosis.
- Atherosclerosis, often referred to as ‘hardening of the arteries,’ arises when fat, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate within artery walls, forming deposits known as plaques. Over time, these plaques can lead to the narrowing or complete obstruction of arteries, resulting in various health complications.
- A heart attack occurs when there is a significant reduction or blockage in blood flow to the heart, typically caused by the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries, known as plaques. This buildup of plaques is a condition called atherosclerosis.
- Heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart cannot adequately pump blood to meet the body’s requirements. This can result from insufficient blood filling in the heart or weakened pumping ability.
- Eczema is a type of dermatitis that makes the skin dry, itchy, and bumpy. It weakens the skin's barrier function, leading to reduced moisture retention and decreased protection from external elements.
- Cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease that hinders efficient blood pumping throughout the body, potentially resulting in heart failure. The primary types of cardiomyopathy comprise dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.