Cardiology

Cardiology is the study and treatment of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels. A person with heart disease or cardiovascular disease may be referred to a cardiologist. Cardiology is a branch of internal medicine. A cardiologist is not the same as a cardiac surgeon. A cardiologist will primarily diagnose disorders of the heart and treat them with medication. Cardiologists also perform interventions on the arteries in the heart working through puncture wounds in the groin, but they do not perform open surgery. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. An ECG gives two major kinds of information. First, by measuring time intervals on the ECG, a doctor can determine how long the electrical wave takes to pass through the heart. If someone has a heart attack or stroke younger than 55 for men or younger than 65 for women, their family members should consider seeing a preventive cardiologist as well. We can assess their heart disease risk, then provide a plan for regular screening and risk reduction.