Cardiology involves the diagnosis and treatment of patients who are suffering from issues of the heart and the blood vessels. Cardiology Singapore estimates that around 21 people die from cardiovascular disease daily. Heart diseases and strokes were responsible for over a third (32%) of all deaths in 2021, which makes it one of the most prevalent health conditions in the country.
Because cardiovascular disease is a major public health concern, the role of cardiologists in Singapore cannot be overstated. Educating the public on the proper lifestyle that enables a healthy heart is important across all ages. The good thing about heart conditions is that many are preventable and reversible through significant lifestyle changes. Early prevention is vital when dealing with heart and blood vessel disorders.
Cardiology is the field of diagnosis and treatment that deals with disorders of the heart and the blood vessels. These structures are known as the cardiovascular system. Cardiology Singapore reports that cardiovascular disease is responsible for 1 out of 3 deaths – which is why cardiologists try to address congenital heart defects, coronary artery diseases, valvular heart diseases, heart failure, strokes, and other conditions. These specialists create a long-term plan for thousands of patients to treat and maintain heart health.
There are several parts involved in the basic functioning of the cardiovascular system. These include how the heart pumps and processes oxygen and nutrients in the blood, termed as coronary circulation. Arteries and veins serve as pathways to the pumped blood cells, which the entire body needs to function fully. When there is a blockage, an irregularity in the heart, or thinning of the valves, it impacts a person’s health. For instance, clots in the blood vessels could lead to a heart attack.
Cardiologists facilitate early diagnosis, reversing disease progression, and providing long-term lifestyle change advice to support patients throughout the treatment and recovery phases.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and several major conditions associated with it require a cardiologist’s immediate diagnosis:
Any constant pain in the chest, dizziness, palpitations, unexplained shortness of breath or fatigue, or heartburn could mean you have a heart issue. Individuals experiencing any problems with the heart could consult with a primary health care provider. Your primary health doctor will refer you to reputable cardiologists in Singapore. These specialists will conduct early detection and screenings and work with you for a long time to monitor the symptoms of any underlying condition.
The cardiovascular system comprises of different parts, and a cardiologist will try to ascertain what type of heart problems you could have. Your cardiologist will give you a physical exam and listen to your heart. They can figure out if there’s an irregular heart rhythm and if blood flows well.
Specific tests may also be recommended, such as:
A cardiologist must collect data as comprehensively as possible when determining heart problems because it takes more than listening to the beating heart to diagnose exactly what disorder you may be suffering from. Sometimes, there might not even be any symptoms!
You will have to provide family medical history and your medical background – any injuries, hospitalisation, etc. Heart disease is genetically inherited, so any family member having heart problems is pertinent information.
Heart conditions should never be neglected. Symptoms like chronic chest pains, palpitations, and irregular heartbeats could point to something serious. There are efficient resources in the country for referral and treatment. Whether you need maintenance meds or surgery, you must consult a cardiologist who can work with you in the long term.
Your first consultation with a cardiologist will be an information-gathering exercise. Be ready for health background questions and for further tests as advised. Once the diagnosis is complete, that’s the time that a medical therapy plan can be designed according to your specific heart health goals.
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