🏥 Medical Encyclopedia

Cardiology

Cross-section of the human heart

Cardiology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally.

❤️ Key Fact: Cardiovascular disease causes approximately 18 million deaths annually, making it the world's leading cause of death.

Heart Anatomy

Four Chambers: Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle
Four Valves: Tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, aortic
Coronary Arteries: Supply blood to the heart muscle
Cardiac Cycle: Systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation)

Common Cardiovascular Diseases

Disease	Description	Risk Factors
Ischemic Heart Disease	Blocked coronary arteries	Smoking, high cholesterol
Heart Failure	Heart cannot pump effectively	High BP, diabetes
Arrhythmia	Irregular heart rhythm	Stress, caffeine
Valvular Disease	Malfunctioning heart valves	Aging, infection
Hypertension	High blood pressure	Genetics, lifestyle

Cardiac Risk Factors

High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
Diabetes mellitus
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Cigarette smoking
Family history of heart disease

Key Diagnostic Tests

ECG/EKG: Records electrical activity
Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart
Cardiac Catheterization: Measures pressure and flow
Stress Test: Evaluates heart function under exertion

"The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of." – Blaise Pascal Philosopher and Mathematician