Cardiology Services

Cardiology Services

Allied Health

Cardiology

• Cardiology is the study and treatment of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels.

• Cardiology is a branch of internal medicine.

• A cardiologist is not the same as a cardiac surgeon. A cardiac surgeon can open the chest and performs heart surgery when needed.

• A person with heart disease or cardiovascular disease may be referred to a cardiologist for evaualtion & testing.

Cardiologist

• A cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the cardiovascular system.

• The cardiologist will carry out tests, and they may perform some procedures, such as heart catheterizations, angioplasty, or inserting a pacemaker.

• They may also prescribe medicine, recommend lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, reducing stress levels and managing weight.

• To become a cardiologist in the United States, it is necessary to complete 4 years of medical school, 3 years of training in internal medicine, and at least 3 years specializing in cardiology.

Testing

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):records the electrical activity of the heart.

• An exercise test, or stress test:shows the changes of heart rhythm when resting and exercising. It measures the performance and limitations of the heart.

• Echocardiogram:provides an ultrasound picture that shows the structure of the heart chambers and surrounding areas, and it can show how well the heart is working.

• Cardiac catheterization: a small tube in or near the heart collects data and may help relieve a blockage. It can take pictures and check the functioning of the heart and the electrical system.

Sinus Rhythms (SA Node)

• Sinus rhythm (60 – 100 bpm) is the normal regular rhythm of the heart set by the natural pacemaker of the heart called the sinoatrial node.

• Sinus bradycardia is a regular but unusually slow heart beat (less than 60 bpm). Sinus bradycardia is often seen as a normal variation in athletes, during sleep, or in response to a vagal maneuver

• Sinus Tachycardia is a fast heartbeat ( >100 bpm) related to a rapid firing of the sinoatrial (SA) node.

• Sinus arrhythmia is a normal variation in the beating of your heart. A sinus

  arrhythmia refers to an irregular or disorganized heart rhythm.

Other Rhythms

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

• Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach) is a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) caused by abnormal electrical signals in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).

• Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is an abnormal heart rhythm in which the ventricles of the heart quiver instead of pumping normally. Results in cardiac arrest with loss of consciousness and no pulse.

• Asystole is the state of total cessation of electrical activity from the heart, which means no tissue contraction from the heart muscle and therefore no blood flow to the rest of the body.

Multiple Choice

The state of total cessation of electrical activity from the heart (no pulse) is known as:

• Systole

• Diastole

• Asystole

EKG

• An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical signal from your heart to check for different heart conditions.

• Electrodes are placed on your chest to record your heart's electrical signals, which cause your heart to beat.

• The signals are shown as waves on an attached computer monitor or printer.

• Electrocardiograms are often done in a doctor's office, a clinic or a hospital room.

• An electrocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive way to help diagnose many common heart problems in people of all ages.

Echocardiogram

• An echocardiogram (echo) is a test that uses sound waves to produce live images of your heart.

• The echo can be used to:

• Determine the presence of many types of heart disease.

• Assess the overall function of your heart.

• Follow the progress of valve disease over time.

• An echocardiogram is key in determining the health of the heart muscle, especially after a heart attack. It can also reveal heart defects in unborn babies.

Multiple Choice

Which type of test uses electricity to meaure heart function?

• EKG

• Echocardiogram

Multiple Choice

Which type of test uses sound waves to meaure heart function?

• EKG

• Echocardiogram

Multiple Choice

A heart rate of 60 – 100 bpm represents:

• Sinus tachycardia

• Sinus bradycardia

• Normal sinus rhythm

Multiple Choice

A regular but unusually slow heart beat (less than 60 bpm) is known as:

• Sinus tachycardia

• Sinus bradycardia

• Normal sinus rhythm

Multiple Choice

A fast heartbeat ( >100 bpm) related to a rapid firing of the sinoatrial (SA) node is known as:

• Sinus tachycardia

• Sinus bradycardia

• Normal sinus rhythm