Cardiology is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the heart and the circulatory system. A cardiologist diagnoses and treats conditions such as high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, coronary heart disease, and heart defects and heart failure. They also assess cardiovascular risk, i.e. the likelihood of a patient developing cardiovascular diseases or experiencing cardiovascular events.
A feeling of tightness, burning, stinging or heaviness in the chest may require a cardiological assessment, particularly if these symptoms occur during physical exertion or stress.
A sensation of an irregular, excessively fast or strong heartbeat may be a symptom of a heart rhythm disorder requiring assessment by a specialist.
Breathing difficulties, a decline in fitness or feeling tired quickly whilst carrying out everyday activities may be linked to heart or circulatory system conditions.
Recurrent dizziness, light-headedness or fainting may be caused, amongst other things, by heart rhythm disorders, blood pressure problems or circulatory problems.
Elevated or unstable blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular complications.
Regular cardiology consultations are particularly important for patients with high cholesterol and diabetes, for smokers, and for those who have suffered a cardiovascular event or have a family history of heart and circulatory diseases.
ECG
Heart echo
A visit to a cardiologist begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, any chronic conditions, the medicines you are taking, your lifestyle and any family history of heart disease. The doctor then carries out a physical examination, takes your blood pressure and, if necessary, performs or requests further tests, such as an ECG, an echocardiogram, a Holter ECG or a Holter blood pressure monitor.
The duration of the appointment depends on its scope. A standard consultation usually lasts around 20 minutes. If the appointment involves additional tests, such as an echocardiogram or an ECG, it may take longer.
It is advisable to see a cardiologist if you experience chest pain or tightness, palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, swelling in the legs, high blood pressure or abnormal test results. If there is a family history of heart disease, heart attacks or strokes, it is also advisable to have a preventive consultation.
An echocardiogram may be recommended in cases of, amongst other things, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, high blood pressure, heart murmurs, fainting spells, or where valve or heart muscle disease is suspected. The decision on whether to carry out the test is made by a doctor.
It is a good idea to bring your latest test results, a list of your medicines along with their dosages, and any blood pressure readings you have taken at home to your appointment. It is also a good idea to make a note of your symptoms – when they occur, how long they last and what makes them worse.
Yes. A preventive cardiology consultation is particularly important for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, as well as for smokers and those with a family history of heart disease.
Yes. The risk of cardiovascular disease in women increases, for example, after the menopause, in cases of high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders and following certain pregnancy complications. Regular check-ups help to detect abnormalities at an early stage.
