What is Cardiology?

The human body is a unique structure. The fundamental components of this unique structure are the systems of movement, digestion, respiration, excretion, and circulation. The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, distributes nutrients and oxygen between different body systems to ensure coordinated functioning. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in both our country and worldwide. Approximately a quarter of a million people suffer heart attacks every year in our country, and this number is expected to continue rising in the future. The branch of science that deals with cardiovascular diseases is Cardiology.

What diseases are related to Cardiology?

High blood pressure, large limb vascular diseases (arms and legs), coronary artery disease, heart valve diseases, heart failure, arrhythmias, lipid disorders are some of the primary cardiovascular diseases addressed by cardiology.

What symptoms may require a visit to a cardiology clinic?

Symptoms such as irregular blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain, limb pain, swelling, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting are the most common reasons for seeking consultation in cardiology clinics.

What tests are conducted in a cardiology clinic?

Cardiology specialists determine the diagnosis and treatment based on the patient's symptoms and clinical findings. Some of the most common tests include blood tests, ECG (Electrocardiogram), Echocardiography (EKO), Stress Test, Chest X-ray, Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy, Rhythm and Blood Pressure Holter, Event Recorder, Cardiac MRI, Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography), and Coronary Angiography.

EKG (Electrocardiogram):
EKG is a test that shows the electrical activity of the heart. It is a simple test performed by placing electrodes on the body, typically lasting about 5 minutes. It provides information about arrhythmias, coronary artery blockages, heart attacks, and heart membrane diseases.

Rhythm Holter:
A device attached to the body that records heartbeats for an extended period. Typically, a 24-hour recording is taken, but longer recordings can also be done in some cases. This valuable test is used to detect arrhythmias that may cause symptoms such as palpitations, fainting, or stroke.

Blood Pressure Holter:
A device that continuously records blood pressure for a prolonged period, usually 24 hours. It is used for diagnosing hypertension or assessing treatment effectiveness in patients already diagnosed with hypertension. It can also help diagnose "white coat hypertension," where a person’s blood pressure is elevated only in a medical setting.

Event Recorder:
A device that patients carry with them and use to record their heart's activity when they experience symptoms. It is particularly useful for patients who do not experience symptoms frequently or cannot capture their symptoms with a rhythm holter.

Echocardiography (EKO):
An ultrasound examination of the heart that can detect congenital or acquired structural abnormalities, such as heart valve diseases, heart muscle disorders, or aortic problems. This test does not involve radiation and is performed by cardiologists, typically lasting 10-15 minutes.

Stress Test (Exercise ECG):
A test that involves exercising according to specific protocols to stress the heart while monitoring its rhythm. It is used to diagnose coronary artery disease in asymptomatic individuals and assess exercise tolerance in patients with heart valve or lung diseases.

Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy:
This test is performed for patients who cannot undergo or whose exercise ECG test is insufficient due to orthopedic problems or certain heart conditions. It uses radioactive substances to assess ischemia (restricted blood flow) and heart muscle viability. This test lasts approximately 3-4 hours.

Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angio):
A test that uses computed tomography to visualize coronary arteries, lasting about 5 minutes. It provides a quick and accurate diagnosis of coronary artery blockages. This method is diagnostic only and cannot treat blockages.

Coronary Angiography:
The gold standard for identifying coronary artery blockages. It is performed by accessing the coronary arteries via the wrist or groin, lasting approximately 30 minutes. It is conducted in an angiography room using local anesthesia. Coronary angiography can determine the location and degree of vessel blockages, and treatment (such as balloon/stent placement) can often be done in the same session.