WhatsAppDiagnosis and Treatment of Heart and Vascular System Diseases
Cardiology is the specialty that diagnoses and treats heart and vascular diseases through medical (drug) and interventional methods. Cardiologists do not perform surgery; heart problems requiring an operation belong to the Cardiovascular Surgery department. The Academic Hospital Cardiology department provides ECG, echocardiography, Holter, blood pressure Holter and rhythm Holter services.
Contents
What Is Cardiology?
Cardiology is the internal medicine specialty that manages diseases of the heart and vascular system through drug therapy and interventional procedures. Cardiologists order diagnostic tests, plan drug treatment, perform catheter-based interventions such as cardiac catheterisation and stenting, and treat rhythm disorders. Operations such as surgical bypass, valve repair or heart transplantation fall within the field of Cardiovascular Surgery specialists; the cardiologist works in coordination with that department when required.
Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?
The Cardiology department undertakes the diagnosis and medical treatment of a large number of diseases relating to the heart and vascular system.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowing or blockage caused by the build-up of cholesterol plaques in the arteries that supply the heart. It may present with chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Damage to the heart muscle following sudden blockage of a coronary artery. It is treated with emergency angiography and stenting.
- Heart failure: The heart is unable to pump blood adequately. It presents with shortness of breath, leg swelling and fatigue.
- Arrhythmias: Heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) are managed with medication, ablation or device therapy.
- Valve diseases: Stenosis or regurgitation of the mitral, aortic, tricuspid and pulmonary valves; medical follow-up and, in selected cases, catheter-based valve interventions (TAVI) are applied.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): Uncontrolled blood pressure damages the vessels of the heart, kidneys and brain; it is managed with drug therapy and lifestyle change.
- Pericarditis and pericardial effusion: Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium) or accumulation of fluid.
- Endocarditis: Microbial infection of the heart valves and inner surface; it requires antibiotic treatment.
- Management of congenital heart disease: Cardiological follow-up of congenital heart defects detected in childhood and carried into adulthood.
- Cardiomyopathy: Structural and functional disorders of the heart muscle; dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive types exist.
When Should You Consult Us?
The following symptoms warrant a cardiology consultation; some situations require emergency intervention.
- Chest pain, tightness or a sensation of pressure in the chest
- Shortness of breath on exertion or at rest
- Palpitations, feeling the heart beat irregularly or rapidly
- Unexplained fainting or a feeling of faintness (syncope/presyncope)
- Swelling in the ankles or legs
- Persistently high blood pressure (140 / 90 mmHg or above)
- A family history of early heart disease together with risk factors (smoking, diabetes, obesity)
Emergency: Severe chest pain, pain radiating to the left arm or jaw, sweating and shortness of breath occurring together may be signs of a heart attack. In this case call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department; do not lose time.
Diagnostic Methods
In the Cardiology department, various diagnostic tools are used depending on the type of disease.
| Method | What it is used for |
|---|---|
| Records the electrical activity of the heart within seconds. Rhythm disorders, whether a heart attack has occurred and conduction defects can be detected. | |
| Images the structure and function of the heart with ultrasound waves. Valve diseases, pump function (ejection fraction) and pericardial fluid are assessed. | |
| Coronary insufficiency is investigated by monitoring the ECG during exercise on a treadmill or bicycle ergometer. | |
| The heart rhythm is recorded continuously for 24-48 hours with a portable device. It is used to detect intermittent rhythm disorders. | |
| The calcium score and anatomy of the coronary arteries are assessed non-invasively. | |
| Contrast medium is delivered to the coronary arteries through a catheter inserted from the groin or wrist to detect narrowing or blockage. A stent may be placed in the same session when needed. | |
| Used to determine the viability of the heart muscle, fibrosis and the type of cardiomyopathy. | |
| Troponin (cardiac damage), BNP / NT-proBNP (severity of heart failure), CRP and the lipid profile contribute to diagnosis. |
Treatment Approaches
Cardiology treatment is addressed under two main headings: medical (drug) therapy and interventional procedures.
| Treatment | Scope and application |
|---|---|
| Drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel prevent platelets from forming clots, reducing the risk of post-stent thrombosis and heart attack. | |
| Drugs such as warfarin, rivaroxaban and apixaban are used to lower stroke risk in atrial fibrillation and valve disease. | |
| Lower the heart rate and blood pressure; one of the core treatments in heart failure and arrhythmia. | |
| Regulate blood pressure and slow the remodelling of the heart muscle in heart failure. | |
| Used in heart failure to relieve oedema and breathing difficulty. | |
| Slow the progression of atherosclerosis by lowering LDL cholesterol. | |
| During coronary angiography the narrowed vessel is opened with a balloon and held open by placing a metal stent. | |
| Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter is returned to normal rhythm by applying a controlled electric shock to the heart. | |
| Abnormal electrical pathways are disabled with thermal energy (radiofrequency or cryoablation) delivered through a catheter. It is used in the treatment of arrhythmia. | |
| Where the heart rate is very slow (bradycardia, complete heart block), the heart rhythm is regulated by a generator placed under the skin together with an intravascular electrode. | |
| A device that automatically delivers a shock when a dangerous rhythm disorder is detected in patients at high risk of sudden death. |
Get information about the Cardiology department.
Book an AppointmentCardiology at Academic Hospital
The Academic Hospital Cardiology department operates in the main building in Altunizade, Istanbul. Outpatient assessment, interventional procedures and inpatient follow-up are carried out under one roof. The department works routinely with the following units:
- Cardiovascular Surgery - referral of cases requiring bypass, valve or aortic surgery
- Coronary Intensive Care - monitoring of acute coronary syndrome and critical rhythm disorders
- Internal Diseases - initial assessment and referral
- Radiology - cardiac CT angiography and cardiac MRI examinations
- Endocrinology and Metabolism - joint management of diabetes and lipid disorders
- Pulmonology - distinguishing non-cardiac causes of shortness of breath
Frequently Asked Questions
References
The general information given on this page about heart and vascular diseases, diagnostic methods and treatment approaches is supported by the reliable health sources listed below.
- European Society of Cardiology, "ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines - Cardiovascular Diseases", escardio.org
- American Heart Association, "About Heart Attacks", heart.org
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), "Heart Failure - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment", nhlbi.nih.gov
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, "Guide to Protection from Cardiovascular Diseases", hsgm.saglik.gov.tr
The information on this page is for informational purposes only; it does not replace medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare institution regarding your complaints.
