Cardiology :
What is Cardiology ?
Cardiology (or cardiovascular medicine) is
the internal medicine subspecialty that deals with problems of
the cardiovascular system: the heart, arteries, and veins. The
origins of the word cardiology come from the Greek word kardia,
meaning heart or inner self. Cardiologists must graduate from an
approved medical school; complete a three-year residency
program, and two to three years of additional training.
Cardiologists treat people with diseases or conditions of the
heart and people who want to learn the risk factors for heart
disease. A primary care doctor or family practice doctor can
work with a cardiology specialist to diagnose, treat, and manage
heart conditions and help people make heart-healthy lifestyle
choices. Patients who are at risk for heart disease or have a
history of heart symptoms may see a clinical cardiologist
regularly. People with ongoing heart conditions, pacemakers, or
frequent heart trouble are likely to see a cardiologist with a
subspecialty.
Other subspecialties of cardiology include cardiovascular
anatomy, cardiovascular metabolism, cardiovascular pathology,
cardiac catheterization, molecular biology of the cardiovascular
system, and cardiovascular phyiology. Cardiothoracic surgery is
a separate specialty of medicine from cardiology. Cardiologists
complete an internal medicine residency. Cardiothoracic surgeons
are required to complete a surgical residency.
