Cardiology

Cardiology is the medical field that examines and cures the function of the heart and blood circulation, and congenital and acquired diseases. An important part of cardiology is the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for more than half of all deaths in Hungary, and coronary heart disease, heart attack, angina, stroke and heart failure are outstanding in terms of their frequency. In many cases, heart disease can be asymptomatic until the late stages of the disease, when a catastrophic event can occur as a first sign, which is why prevention and early diagnosis are paramount.

Non-invasive cardiology diagnostics are based on medical history, physical examination, resting ECG after a heart ultrasound (echocardiography) and exercise tests, which can be supplemented with additional tests if necessary, from ECG Holter monitoring and blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), to isotope examinations, cardiac CT and MRI.

Invasive cardiological examinations include cardiac catheterization procedures, coronary angiography, electrophysiology (to detect arrhythmias), and associated catheterization procedures such as coronary angioplasty, stent placement, or arrhythmia ablation methods that eliminate the focal point of an arrhythmia.

The most invasive cardiac procedure is heart surgery, in which the necessary care is performed with a smaller intercostal incision or a larger penetration involving a sternal incision, such as coronary artery surgery, heart valve surgery, aortic surgery, septal heart surgery, and so on.

In recent years, catheter interventions that replace major heart surgeries have been spreading rapidly for certain heart valve implants and surgeries.

What are the main contributing risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

High blood pressure
Smoking
High cholesterol level
Diabetes
A sedentary and highly stressful lifestyle
Hereditary factors in the family
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption

Which diseases does cardiology diagnose and treat?

High blood pressure
Coronary heart disease
Cardiac arrhythmias e.g., atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia
Heart attack, heart failure
Acquired or congenital heart valve defects and inadequacies
Aortic stenosis or dilation in the first, thoracic section
Congenital heart disease
Inflammatory diseases of the heart: myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis

When and with what kind of symptoms should you see a cardiologist?

Chest pain, pressure and tightness in the heart area mainly on exertion
Vague chest complaints
Stronger than usual heartbeat, fast or very slow heartbeat
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
Lineal descendant with juvenile heart disease, sudden cardiac death
Unreasonable fatigue
Too high or too low blood pressure
Dizziness, weakness, occasional loss of consciousness
Swollen lower limbs
Asymptomatic screening and prevention for all over-40s of both sexes, and for ages 20-30 where multiple risk factors are present

What happens during a cardiac examination?

Cardiology examination begins by exploring the patient's medical history. The specialist will ask you about your complaints, any pre-existing illnesses, the medicines you have used, family illnesses and your lifestyle. Various physical examinations are then performed. Heart auscultation with a stethoscope, tapping with the fingertips, and a blood pressure measurement may be followed by additional tests needed to establish a diagnosis, such as resting ECG, cardiac ultrasound, exercise ECG, Holter monitoring, blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), or additional lab tests. Finally, based on this information, our cardiologist will find, advise, prescribe medication, and, if necessary, refer the patient for further examinations.