Overview

Cardiology manages coronary disease heart failure arrhythmias and valvular disorders using imaging and invasive procedures. Preventive cardiology and risk modification are central to reducing morbidity and mortality. The specialty integrates diagnostics with interventional and device therapies.

Clinical Practice

Cardiologists use ECG echocardiography stress testing cardiac CT and MRI and invasive catheterization for diagnosis and management. Treatments include medical therapy device implantation and percutaneous interventions. Multidisciplinary heart teams coordinate complex care.

Procedures and Tools

Common procedures include cardiac catheterization percutaneous coronary intervention pacemaker and defibrillator implantation and structural interventions. Hemodynamic monitoring and advanced imaging guide decision making. Procedural safety and post procedure care are essential.

Training and Roles

Cardiologists complete internal medicine residency followed by cardiology fellowship and may subspecialize in interventional cardiology electrophysiology or heart failure. Ongoing certification and procedural volume maintain competence. Many participate in research and quality improvement.