Cardiologist

Of the Cardiologist deals with the structure, functioning and diseases of the heart. Cardiology is a specialty of internal medicine.

What is a cardiologist?

The cardiologist deals with the structure, the functionality and diseases of the heart. Cardiology is a specialty of internal medicine.

A Cardiologist is a specialist in internal medicine with a focus on cardiology, who deals with functional disorders of the cardiovascular system. He diagnoses, treats and monitors diseases that affect the heart itself. For example, it treats congenital or acquired heart defects, age-related cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

Cardiologists work independently in practices, often in hospitals and in emergency medicine. After successfully completing a medical degree, cardiologists usually specialize in general internal medicine.

The cardiology focus is acquired through qualifying further training. The training to become a specialist in internal medicine with a focus on cardiologist usually lasts six years. Pediatric cardiology is an independent branch in Germany.

Treatments

Cardiologists treat all diseases that affect the heart and the cardiovascular system. On the one hand, this includes congenital and acquired heart diseases such as cardiac arrhythmias and heart valve defects.On the other hand, there are circulatory-related diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure and arterial occlusive diseases, which do not necessarily have to be directly related to the heart.

Age-related diseases such as heart failure and coronary artery disease are treated by cardiologists. They also treat inflammatory diseases such as myocarditis or heart diseases after an infection such as streptococci.

It is not uncommon for them to overlap and collaborate with other medical specialties. This is the only way to guarantee optimal patient care.

Cardiologists often work in intensive care medicine, for example after heart attacks or strokes or even after acute occlusive diseases. They take care of the pacemaker therapy and follow-up care and provide advice to the patient.

After the diagnosis and detailed examination, you decide whether operations such as the insertion of an implantable defibrillator are necessary or whether medication needs to be administered. Cardiologists are also involved in rehabilitation procedures and assess patients with regard to their occupational stress capacity.

Diagnosis & examination methods

One Cardiologists a whole range of medical devices are available for diagnosis and therapy monitoring. Since these devices are usually very expensive, several cardiologists often work in a joint practice. The blood pressure monitor, the stethoscope and the laboratory are important devices for an initial examination and anamnesis.

This gives a first impression of the patient's condition. Depending on the clinical picture, an EKG, including a long-term EKG, can contribute to a more detailed diagnosis. Another important examination method is ultrasound. This enables essential data such as the size of the heart and the surrounding blood vessels, heart rhythm and blood flow to be recorded. Ultrasound in particular offers a multitude of possibilities.

Cardiologists also use CT and MRI in the cardiological field. This makes a more precise diagnosis possible and can be decisive for surgical interventions.

A very common method are the so-called catheter examinations with or without the use of contrast media. A distinction is made between left and right heart catheters, the latter being performed less frequently. This minimally invasive procedure enables a comprehensive examination. At the same time, interventions such as the expansion of vessels can be carried out.

This saves time and reduces the burden on the patient as much as possible, since a second intervention can be avoided. In some cases, the various diagnostic procedures are carried out in the resting state and in the stress state.

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What should the patient pay attention to?

A solid and trusting relationship between doctor and patient is necessary for any successful treatment. Particular value should be given when choosing one Cardiologists also placed on the professional qualifications.

Especially when the disease is not a routine disease. There are also specializations and professional differences among cardiologists.

Professional associations and health insurance companies can provide more detailed information. One of the first points of contact is the family doctor. He can also help you choose.

The establishment of the practice is another criterion in the choice. When many examinations are necessary, it is often better to choose a practice with extensive examination options. This not only saves time, but is also less stressful for the patient.