Getting older comes with unique health considerations, and heart health is among the most important. Cardiology is the medical field dedicated to the heart and circulatory system – in simple terms, it is the study and care of the heart. In this comprehensive guide to cardiology, we’ll explain key concepts in senior-friendly language. You’ll learn what cardiology is, the different types of cardiology (and cardiologists), and get answers to common questions. Our goal at Sage Health is to empower you with knowledge about your heart in a supportive, easy-to-understand way.
Heart disease risk increases with age, and understanding cardiology can help you stay proactive. Whether you’re curious about a specific term (like what is interventional cardiology or what is HCM in cardiology) or wondering when to see a heart specialist, this guide has you covered. Let’s begin our journey to a healthier heart.
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Cardiology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the heart and blood vessels. In other words, it deals with diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the heart and circulatory system. Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in heart health – they manage conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), and more. They use tools like EKGs (electrocardiograms), heart ultrasounds (echocardiograms), and stress tests to assess how well your heart is working.
In practical terms, cardiology is all about keeping your heart as strong and healthy as possible. For seniors, this can involve:
If you’ve wondered about the cardiology field’s role in your health, remember this: cardiology is about supporting your heart’s well-being at every stage of life. Next, we’ll explore the different types of cardiology and some common terms you might hear in a cardiologist’s office.
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Cardiology is a broad field, and cardiologists often focus on specific areas of heart care. Understanding the types of cardiology can help you know which kind of specialist or treatment you might need. The main categories include noninvasive cardiology, invasive cardiology, and interventional cardiology, as well as sub-specialties that deal with particular heart problems or techniques. Below, we break down key terms and subfields:
Interventional cardiology is a sub-branch of cardiology that treats heart conditions through minimally invasive procedures using catheters (thin, flexible tubes) instead of open surgery. Essentially, an interventional cardiologist can fix certain heart problems by threading small instruments through your blood vessels. This means no large incisions are needed – a relief for many older patients who may want to avoid major surgery.
Common interventional cardiology procedures include:
Interventional cardiology has revolutionized heart care by offering non-surgical treatments that help restore blood flow and repair heart structures. Patients often have shorter recovery times compared to open surgery. If your cardiologist finds a blockage or structural issue, an interventional cardiologist may step in to perform one of these procedures.
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Invasive cardiology involves procedures that enter the body to diagnose or treat heart conditions. This can range from minor catheter-based interventions to more involved surgeries. Invasive cardiology typically refers to any procedure where doctors insert instruments into the body – for example, through an artery in your leg or arm – to reach the heart. This is in contrast to “noninvasive” tests like external scans or blood tests.
Key points about invasive cardiology:
Invasive cardiology can include open-heart surgeries as well, but those are usually done by cardiac surgeons (not cardiologists). For instance, bypass surgery or heart valve surgery require a surgeon. A cardiologist will refer you to a surgeon if such an operation is needed.
In summary, invasive cardiology is any cardiac care that requires going inside the patient’s body. Thanks to modern advances, many invasive cardiology procedures are minimally invasive (small incisions or catheters) rather than fully open surgeries.
HCM in cardiology stands for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This is a heart condition, not a procedure or specialty. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. The thick muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Often, HCM is caused by genetic factors (abnormal genes passed down in families) that cause the heart walls (usually the left ventricle wall) to grow thicker than normal.
Important facts about HCM:
If you’ve been told you have HCM, you’ll likely work with a cardiologist who specializes in cardiomyopathy or heart failure. They will monitor your condition and recommend treatments to help your heart work efficiently. The good news is that many people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead full, active lives with proper care.
Echocardiology typically refers to echocardiography, which is a noninvasive imaging test – essentially an ultrasound of the heart. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create live images of your heart, allowing doctors to see the heart beating and pumping blood in real time.
What echocardiography shows:
An echocardiogram is safe (no radiation) and is a routine tool in cardiology check-ups. If your doctor wants to evaluate symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue, they may order an echo to get a detailed look at your heart’s structure and function. In seniors, echoes are especially useful for tracking heart failure, checking on artificial valves, or monitoring known heart conditions over time.
Electrophysiology in cardiology deals with the heart’s electrical system – essentially, the branch of cardiology focused on heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). You might hear the term cardiac electrophysiology or see specialists called electrophysiologists. These are cardiologists with extra training in diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms.
Key points about electrophysiology cardiology:
In summary, electrophysiology cardiology is all about keeping your heart beating in a healthy rhythm. If you have palpitations or your doctor finds an irregular heartbeat, you may be referred to an electrophysiologist. They play a crucial role in modern cardiology, especially for seniors, since arrhythmias become more common with age.
Your heart is in good hands at Sage Health. We hope this guide has helped answer your questions in an accessible way. Our team is here to support you in every aspect of your heart health journey.
Sage Health stands out by offering exceptional cardiology services as part of its comprehensive Primary Care offerings. Unlike typical doctor’s offices, Sage Health provides innovative, high-performance care that is personalized for seniors and Medicare-eligible adults. With a focus on keeping you healthy, Sage Health offers in-house cardiologists who work alongside a dedicated care team of primary care physicians, nutritionists, and other specialists to ensure that your health needs are met seamlessly.
The smaller patient panels—no more than 400 patients per physician—allow for more time to listen, understand, and provide the attention you deserve. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply focusing on prevention, Sage Health’s cardiology services are integrated into a holistic approach to care.
With wellness programs, including fitness and cooking classes, Sage Health emphasizes proactive health management and senior-focused care. Plus, with concierge services to coordinate your healthcare needs, Sage Health makes it easy to access top-notch care without the hassle, all while accepting Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24511-interventional-cardiology
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21983-cardiologist
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/medicine/cardiology
https://www.heartsure.co.uk/post/a-guide-to-cardiology-in-the-uk
