Cardiology consultation focuses on evaluating symptoms and medical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Patients may present with chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness of breath or cardiovascular risk factors. Assessment includes medical history, physical examination and appropriate investigations. Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis and individual health requirements.
Interventional Cardiology involves evaluating selected cardiovascular conditions that may benefit from catheter-based diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Assessment considers symptoms, cardiac investigations, coronary anatomy and overall medical fitness. A specialist determines whether medication, further testing or an intervention is suitable for the individual patient.
Coronary artery disease develops when fatty deposits narrow the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle. Symptoms may include chest pain, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance. Evaluation may involve ECG, stress testing, imaging or coronary angiography. Management depends on disease severity and may include medication, lifestyle changes or revascularisation.
Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses contrast dye and X-ray imaging to examine the coronary arteries. It may be recommended when significant coronary artery narrowing is suspected. Results help clinicians determine whether medication, angioplasty, stenting or coronary bypass surgery may be appropriate.
Coronary angioplasty is a catheter-based procedure used to improve blood flow through selected narrowed coronary arteries. A balloon may be used to expand the affected area, often followed by stent placement. Suitability depends on symptoms, coronary anatomy, clinical urgency and the expected benefits and risks of treatment.
Chest pain can arise from cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive or musculoskeletal conditions. Angina occurs when the heart muscle receives insufficient blood flow. Clinical evaluation considers symptom characteristics, medical history and cardiovascular risk factors. Sudden, severe or persistent chest pain requires immediate emergency medical assessment.
Hypertension is persistently elevated blood pressure that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. Evaluation includes repeated blood pressure measurements and assessment of associated medical conditions. Management may involve lifestyle changes, medication and ongoing monitoring to reduce cardiovascular complications.
Heart rhythm disorders occur when electrical signals controlling the heartbeat become abnormal. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, fatigue or fainting. Assessment may involve an ECG, ambulatory heart monitoring and other appropriate investigations. Treatment depends on the rhythm abnormality, symptoms and underlying medical conditions.
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs. Symptoms may include breathlessness, swelling and reduced exercise capacity. Evaluation can involve echocardiography, blood investigations and clinical examination. Treatment depends on the cause, cardiac function and associated health conditions.
Echocardiography uses ultrasound to examine the heart's chambers, valves and pumping function. It may help assess heart failure, valve disease and structural abnormalities. The investigation is commonly used alongside medical history, examination and other tests to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
Elevated cholesterol can contribute to plaque formation within arteries and increase cardiovascular risk. Assessment considers lipid levels, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, family history and other risk factors. Management may involve dietary changes, physical activity and appropriate lipid-lowering medication according to individual risk.
Preventive cardiology focuses on identifying and managing factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Evaluation may include blood pressure measurement, cholesterol testing, diabetes assessment and review of lifestyle habits. Preventive strategies aim to reduce future heart attack and stroke risks through personalised medical and lifestyle recommendations.