Cardiology is a scientific discipline that covers the entire heart, arterial and venous system, addressing congenital or acquired heart conditions, functional disorders, rhythm and conduction abnormalities, diseases of the arterial and venous system, and conditions affecting pulmonary circulation such as acute or chronic embolism and pulmonary hypertension. It provides preventive, diagnostic, medical and interventional treatment methods, either directly or in collaboration with other specialties.
Blood tests: Blood tests primarily measure cardiac enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB and troponin, as well as hormone levels. If there is a heart problem, these test values may be elevated. Cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which are evaluated as risk factors, are also examined.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): ECG is a diagnostic method in which the heart's electrical activity is recorded with electrodes attached to the skin. It can detect heart rate, signs of insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the heart muscle, and evidence of any previous heart attack.
Holter ECG: Existing heart rhythm disorders may not appear in a short standard ECG. In such cases, a special device records the heart rhythm continuously for 24 to 48 hours. The Holter device, about the size of a mobile phone, is worn around the neck or attached to a belt. While the device is in use, bathing is not allowed and mobile phones or other electronic devices should not be used.
Echocardiography (ECHO): Known as a heart ultrasound, ECHO is used to detect motion abnormalities in the heart walls due to the death of cardiac muscle tissue.
Stress (Treadmill) Test: The stress test is preferred for diagnosing the extent of coronary artery disease and for determining the severity of the condition.
