Interventional cardiology focuses on diagnosing and treating selected cardiovascular conditions through catheter-based procedures. Assessment considers symptoms, clinical history, heart function and imaging findings. When appropriate, minimally invasive interventions may be used to examine or improve blood flow. Treatment selection depends on the type and severity of cardiovascular disease.
Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure using contrast dye and X-ray imaging to examine blood flow through the coronary arteries. It may help identify narrowing or blockage in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The findings guide decisions about medical treatment, angioplasty, stenting or coronary bypass surgery.
Coronary angioplasty is a catheter-based procedure used to widen selected narrowed coronary arteries. A small balloon may be inflated within the affected vessel, often followed by placement of a stent to maintain blood flow. Suitability depends on coronary anatomy, clinical symptoms, treatment urgency and individual health risks.
Coronary artery disease develops when plaque accumulates inside the arteries supplying the heart. It may cause chest discomfort, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance. Management can involve lifestyle changes, medication and selected revascularisation procedures. Treatment planning considers disease severity, cardiovascular risk factors and results of appropriate investigations.
Non-cardiac vascular interventions use minimally invasive catheter-based techniques to assess or treat selected blood vessel disorders outside the coronary arteries. Procedures may involve widening narrowed vessels or treating abnormal vascular conditions. The appropriate intervention depends on the affected vessel, anatomical findings, clinical symptoms and treatment risks.
Peripheral vascular interventions address selected blood flow problems in arteries outside the heart, particularly those supplying the limbs. Treatment may include catheter-based angioplasty or other procedures when indicated. Assessment generally involves examining circulation, evaluating symptoms and reviewing vascular imaging to determine the most suitable treatment approach.
Embolotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure in which selected blood vessels are deliberately blocked using specialised materials delivered through a catheter. It may be used to control bleeding or treat certain vascular abnormalities. The technique requires careful identification of the target vessel to protect surrounding healthy tissues.
Acute visceral bleeding involves haemorrhage from blood vessels supplying internal organs. In selected cases, catheter-directed embolisation may help control the bleeding without conventional open surgery. Angiographic imaging helps identify the affected vessel before treatment. Severe internal bleeding is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital assessment and stabilisation.
Minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures use specialised catheters and imaging techniques to evaluate or treat selected heart and vascular disorders. Compared with conventional surgery, some catheter-based interventions may require smaller access sites. Their suitability depends on the diagnosis, anatomy, available facilities and individual procedural risks.
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs. Symptoms may include breathlessness, fatigue and swelling of the legs. Assessment may involve echocardiography, blood tests and clinical examination. Treatment commonly includes appropriate medication, monitoring and management of underlying cardiovascular conditions.
Angina is chest discomfort that may occur when the heart muscle receives insufficient blood flow. Evaluation considers symptom characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, ECG findings and appropriate investigations. Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis and may include medication or coronary intervention. Sudden or persistent chest pain requires emergency assessment.
Cardiovascular risk assessment evaluates factors that increase the likelihood of heart attack or stroke, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking. Preventive care may involve lifestyle counselling, blood pressure monitoring, laboratory investigations and appropriate medication. Recommendations are individualised according to overall cardiovascular risk and medical history.