“Cardiology is the branch of medicine that deals with the heart and blood vessels. Cardiology examines the structural and functional aspects of the circulatory system, including the heart and all blood vessels throughout the body.”

What Is Cardiology?

Cardiology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the heart and blood vessels. In addition to examining the structure, function, and health of the heart, the cardiology department also covers the structural and functional characteristics of all blood vessels in the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. Cardiologists are physicians who specialize in heart diseases, vascular diseases, and other disorders related to the circulatory system.

The cardiology (heart) department is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and vascular diseases. These conditions include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart valve diseases, and congenital heart diseases. The difference between cardiovascular surgery and cardiology is that cardiologists evaluate symptoms, perform necessary diagnostic tests, and determine appropriate treatment methods.

The circulatory system is a complex network responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to all organs of the body. The heart is at the center of this system and pumps blood to ensure adequate circulation. Cardiology uses various diagnostic methods to understand how this system functions. Tests such as electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, stress testing, and angiography are commonly used to evaluate heart and vascular health.

Cardiologists encourage patients to adopt lifestyle changes such as healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. In some cases, advanced treatment options such as medication therapy or surgical intervention may be required. Cardiology plays a vital role in protecting heart health and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, raising awareness about heart health and undergoing regular check-ups are of great importance for improving overall health.

What Diseases Does Cardiology Treat?

Cardiology deals with congenital heart diseases, hypertension, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, heart attack, heart failure, heart valve diseases, diseases of the pericardium, cardiomyopathies, cardiac rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), conditions requiring pacemaker implantation, fainting episodes, infections of the heart valves, muscle, or lining, peripheral vascular diseases, and aortic aneurysm (ballooning of the aorta).

In modern medicine, each specialty is divided into subspecialties or areas of special interest. Within this framework, cardiology is divided into three main subspecialties: cardiac imaging, interventional cardiology, and electrophysiology.

Cardiac Imaging:
As the name suggests, this field focuses on imaging the heart and blood vessels. Diagnostic tools such as ECG, echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Holter rhythm monitoring are used. These methods allow detailed evaluation of heart tissue, chambers, valves, and blood vessels.

Interventional Cardiology:
This subspecialty primarily includes treatments performed using angiographic techniques. Procedures such as opening narrowed vessels with balloon or stent placement, angiographic intervention for valve diseases (replacement or clip application), and closure of cardiac defects using angiography are performed within interventional cardiology.

Electrophysiology:
Electrophysiology focuses on evaluating the electrical system of the heart and treating rhythm disorders. Electrophysiological studies identify abnormal electrical foci causing palpitations, and catheter ablation provides permanent treatment for many patients. In our arrhythmia laboratory, all rhythm disorders—including complex arrhythmias—are treated using up-to-date technologies. Pacemakers, ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) shock devices, and cardiac resynchronization therapies are also successfully performed in our clinic.

As the Cardiology Department of TOBB ETÜ Faculty of Medicine, we are capable of performing nearly all procedures carried out at internationally recognized reference centers. Our physicians work according to their areas of expertise. For example, patients presenting with palpitations or requiring pacemaker implantation are evaluated by electrophysiologists, while patients with chest pain, those requiring angiography or stent procedures, or those with cardiac defects are assessed by interventional cardiologists. This approach ensures that patients receive fast and expert care.

Diagnostic Methods Used in Cardiology

» Electrocardiography (ECG):
Also known as a rhythm strip, ECG records the electrical activity of the heart. Electrical impulses originate in the right atrium and spread throughout the heart. ECG is used to evaluate these electrical signals. It is used in the diagnosis and follow-up of rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease (heart attack), cardiac changes related to systemic diseases, myocarditis, and to monitor the effects of rhythm-regulating medications.

» Echocardiography (ECHO):
Also known as cardiac ultrasound, echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to obtain images of the heart. It evaluates both the anatomical structure and functional performance of the heart. It is used to assess heart valves, heart muscle, major vessels, prosthetic valves, congenital heart diseases, and treatment response.

» Exercise ECG (Stress Test):
This test is performed by walking on a treadmill or pedaling a bicycle to expose the patient to increasing levels of stress. Blood pressure, ECG, and symptoms are monitored. It is particularly used to diagnose coronary artery disease and evaluate exercise capacity and treatment effectiveness.

» Blood Pressure Holter Monitoring:
A portable device that records blood pressure over 24 hours. It is the preferred diagnostic method for hypertension and is used to assess treatment effectiveness and daily blood pressure fluctuations.

» Rhythm Holter Monitoring:
A portable device that records heart rhythm continuously for 24 hours or longer. It is used to diagnose and monitor rhythm disorders, palpitations, and fainting episodes.

» Tilt Table Test:
Also known as the head-up tilt test, it is used to evaluate fainting and low blood pressure by monitoring vital signs while the patient lies on a tilted table.

» Coronary Angiography:
Coronary angiography is an imaging procedure used to visualize the arteries supplying the heart. It is performed via catheters inserted through the groin or arm. It is primarily a diagnostic procedure, but balloon angioplasty or stent placement may be performed during the same session if indicated.

» Peripheral Angiography:
This method visualizes arteries outside the heart, including those supplying the brain, kidneys, arms, and legs. It can be performed using contrast agents or carbon dioxide, which is advantageous for patients with kidney disease or contrast allergies (except for carotid arteries).

Cardiology Treatment Methods

Opening of Coronary Artery Narrowings (Angioplasty / Stent)
Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. Blockages in these vessels can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart attack. These blockages can be mechanically opened using balloons and/or stents. Stents are metal mesh structures that remain permanently in the vessel and are covered by vascular tissue over time.

Opening of Peripheral Artery Blockages (Balloon / Stent)
This includes treatment of blockages in the arteries of the arms, legs, brain, and kidneys. Balloon and stent techniques are used depending on vessel and patient characteristics.

Closure of Cardiac Septal Defects (Atrial Septal Defect)
Atrial septal defect is a congenital condition involving a hole between the atria. Non-surgical closure can be performed using special devices inserted via the groin. Blood-thinning therapy is required after the procedure.

Balloon Valvuloplasty for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis
Mitral valve narrowing caused by rheumatic disease can be treated by balloon dilation through catheter-based techniques. The procedure requires hospitalization and careful patient selection.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
TAVI is a treatment option for severe aortic valve stenosis in elderly or high-risk patients. A prosthetic valve is implanted via catheter-based methods, usually through the groin. Patients are closely monitored after the procedure and require anticoagulant therapy for a specific period.