General Cardiology
General Cardiology is a branch of internal medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Conditions treated by a general cardiologist include congestive heart disease, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia, endocarditis and pericarditis, heart valve problems and congenital heart problems. A cariologist also helps monitor individuals with a previous history of heart problems such as a heart attack or heart failure.
You may be referred to a cardiologist if you have symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in heart rate and rhythm and high blood pressure. Your cardiologist will review your medical history and perform various tests to assess your cardiovascular health and function. These may include electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, exercise stress tests, and specialized cardiac imaging tests. Your cardiologist will also check your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease. Treatment is based on the diagnostic evaluation and may include medications and advice on diet and exercise to help manage your condition. A general cardiologist may refer you to an interventional cardiologist or cardiac surgeon if surgical intervention is needed.
