Cardiologist
Cardiologists are physicians who diagnose and treat ailments related to the cardiovascular system that comprises of the heart, arteries, and veins. Pediatric cardiologist is a physician who focuses on diagnosing and treating heart problems in infants, children and young adults. Cardiologists specialize in treatment of angina (chest pain), heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure and irregular heart beats. A cardiologist has to complete medical school and undergo residency in internal medicine for a period of three years. Further three years of specialization in the field of cardiology is required. For pediatric cardiologists a specialization in pediatrics is required prior to cardiology specialization. Cardiologists are specialists who provide complete heart care; they can determine the working condition of a person's heart by means of different tests. The responsibilities of the cardiologist include:
- The primary function of a cardiologist is to check on how well a person's heart is working.
- They determine this by asking for various tests like the treadmill test (exercise electrocardiogram), and through procedures like angioplasty, cardiac catheterization etc.
- They offer treatments for the diagnosed heart diseases through interventional cardiology like angioplasty, where a mechanical device is used to set right the problem in the heart.
- They use electrophysiology that helps in treating the electrical functioning of the heart.
- They also have the additional responsibility of keeping control over the factors that determine the health of the heart such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These levels in the blood of a person are kept under control thus keeping the heart comfortably functioning.
Modern techniques used in the field of cardiology
With the advancement in the field of medicine, cardiologists have the access to the latest technologies like:
Auscultation: A stethoscope is used to identify and detect heart abnormalities and murmur in the heart.
Echocardiography: Ultrasonic waves are used to visualize the heart.
Electrocardiography: EKG instruments are used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart.
Holter monitor: Records the EKG for 24 hours and more non-stop.
Modern blood tests: Determining the levels of HDL, LDL, triglycerides, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein helps in easy identification of heart problems.
Stress testing: Determines the levels of stress and cardiac function of the heart.
Coronary catheterization: Functioning of the heart is determined by inserting catheter into the heart.
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