CARDIOLOGY - Liv Hospital

Cardiology is the medical specialty focused on the heart and the cardiovascular system. It involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. These conditions include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and valve disorders. The field covers a broad spectrum, from congenital heart defects present at birth to acquired conditions like heart attacks.

The Role of the Cardiovascular System

The heart is a powerful muscle that acts as the body’s central pump. It circulates blood, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to all organs and tissues. This circulatory network, made of arteries (which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart) and veins (which return blood to the heart), is known as the cardiovascular system. A cardiologist’s primary goal is to ensure this vital system functions correctly.

Common Conditions Treated in Cardiology?

Cardiology addresses a wide range of conditions, including:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A blockage or narrowing of the heart’s own arteries.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): A sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
Heart Failure: A chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively.
Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) or bradycardia (slow heart rate).
Heart Valve Disease: Problems with one or more of the heart’s valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking).
Hypertension: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Congenital Heart Defects: Structural heart problems present at birth.

Significant Warning Signs of a Heart Condition

While some heart conditions are silent, many present apparent symptoms. It is critical to seek medical attention if you experience:

Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation (angina)
Shortness of breath (dyspnea), either during activity or at rest
Pain or discomfort that radiates to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
Palpitations (a feeling of a racing, fluttering, or pounding heart)
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (syncope)
Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, and feet
Unusual fatigue or weakness

Primary Causes and Risk Factors

Many heart conditions are caused by atherosclerosis, the gradual buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries. A combination of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors can accelerate this process.

Modifiable Risk Factors: These can be controlled or treated.
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- Tobacco use (smoking)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle
- Poor diet
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: These cannot be changed.
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Family History: A genetic predisposition.
- Sex: Men are generally at higher risk, though women’s risk increases after menopause.

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When to Consult a Cardiologist

Your primary care physician may refer you to a cardiologist if you have symptoms like chest pain, have a strong family history of heart disease, or if a routine check-up reveals risk factors like high blood pressure or an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG).
MEETING WITH THE DOCTOR

Diagnosis and Staging

A precise cardiac diagnosis is essential to determine the proper treatment. The process begins with a medical history and physical exam. A cardiologist uses non-invasive tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to assess the heart’s electrical rhythm and an echocardiogram (ultrasound) to evaluate its structure and pumping function. Blood tests, such as those for cardiac troponin, can confirm a heart attack. For complex cases, a stress test evaluates heart function during exercise, while a cardiac catheterization (angiogram) provides a definitive map of coronary artery blockages.

Initial Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tests

The first steps in diagnosis are typically painless and straightforward:

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart. It can quickly identify abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) and provide evidence of a current or previous heart attack.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart. It provides detailed, moving images of the heart’s chambers and valves, enabling doctors to assess the heart’s pumping strength (ejection fraction).

Holter Monitor: A portable ECG device worn for 24-48 hours to capture intermittent arrhythmias.

Stress Testing and Advanced Imaging

To see how the heart performs under pressure, a doctor may order a stress test.

Exercise Stress Test: The patient walks on a treadmill while an ECG monitors the heart’s response to physical activity.
Cardiac CT Scan: A specialized X-ray that can create detailed images of the heart and arteries, sometimes using dye to check for plaque buildup (CT coronary angiogram).

Cardiac Catheterization (Coronary Angiogram)

This is the “gold standard” for diagnosing coronary artery disease. It is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is guided through an artery (in the wrist or groin) to the heart. A special dye is injected, and X-rays are taken. This angiogram provides a detailed “road map” of the coronary arteries, showing the exact location and severity of any blockages.

Treatment Details

Cardiology treatment aims to manage symptoms, halt disease progression, and prevent major events such as heart attacks. The foundation is often lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and medications (such as statins for cholesterol or beta-blockers for blood pressure). When blockages are severe, interventional cardiologists perform procedures like angioplasty and stenting. For more extensive disease, cardiac surgeons may perform coronary artery bypass surgery or valve replacement.

Lifestyle Modification and Medical Management

The first line of defense against heart disease involves controlling risk factors.

Medications: These are a cornerstone of treatment and may include:
- Statins to lower high cholesterol.
- Antihypertensives (like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers) to control high blood pressure.
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: A supervised program of diet, exercise, and education for patients recovering from a heart attack or surgery.”

Interventional Cardiology: Angioplasty and Stents

For patients with blocked arteries, an interventional cardiologist can perform a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as angioplasty. During this procedure (often done immediately after a diagnostic angiogram), a small balloon is used to open the blocked artery. In most cases, a small, expandable mesh tube called a stent is then placed to keep the artery open.

The Medical Center

At Liv Hospital, our Cardiology department provides comprehensive heart care, from prevention to advanced surgical intervention. Our “Heart Team” approach brings together cardiologists, interventional specialists, and cardiac surgeons to review each case. This ensures patients receive a personalized, integrated treatment plan. We are equipped with the latest-generation catheterization labs and hybrid operating rooms, allowing us to perform complex procedures with precision and minimally invasive techniques.

The “Heart Team” Multidisciplinary Approach

Patient care is a collaborative effort. Our “Heart Team,” which includes cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists, and cardiac anesthesiologists, meets to review complex patient cases. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all treatment options are considered, and the patient receives the optimal care plan, whether it involves medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or complex surgery.

Advanced Technology in Cardiac Care

Our center is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technology. This includes 3D/4D echocardiography for superior imaging, cardiac MR for detailed structural assessment, and advanced catheterization labs for high-precision stenting. Our hybrid operating rooms allow our teams to perform combined interventional and surgical procedures in a single session, increasing patient safety and reducing recovery time.

Advanced Technology in Cardiac Care

Comprehensive Sub-Specialty Clinics

To provide focused, long-term care, we offer specialized clinics for patients with specific needs. These include our:

Heart Failure Clinic: Providing advanced monitoring and management for patients with complex heart failure.
Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Center: Offering advanced diagnosis and treatment (like ablation) for all types of heart rhythm disorders.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: Guiding patients through a safe recovery after a heart attack or surgery.

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