As a field of specialization that encompasses the entire cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries, and veins, cardiology is a scientific discipline that employs a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, medical, and interventional treatments for congenital or acquired heart diseases and functional disorders, rhythm and conduction disturbances, and diseases of the arterial and venous systems, as well as acute or chronic emboli and pulmonary hypertension that affect pulmonary circulation. Cardiology works directly or in collaboration with other fields of expertise.
Blood tests: Blood tests are used to check heart enzymes, such as creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and troponin, as well as hormone levels. If there is a problem with the heart, the values in these tests may be high. Blood cholesterol and sugar levels, which are evaluated as risk factors, are also examined.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This diagnostic method records the electrical activity of the heart by means of electrodes attached to the skin. Signs of a heart rate, insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle, and symptoms of a heart attack, if present, can be diagnosed with this method.
Holter ECG: In cases where rhythm disturbances are suspected, they may not be detected due to the short duration of a normal ECG. In such cases, heart rhythm is continuously recorded for 24 to 48 hours with a special device. The holter device, which is the size of a cell phone, is worn around the neck or attached to a belt. While the device is attached, the patient should not take a bath or use a cell phone or other electronic devices.
Echocardiography (ECHO): ECHO, also known as a heart ultrasound, is a method used to detect motion abnormalities in the heart walls that develop due to the death of heart muscle tissue.
Exercise stress test: The exercise stress test is used to diagnose the prevalence of coronary artery disease and to determine how serious the disease is.
Last Updated on March 23, 2023