Specialty3 min read
Cardiology
Cardiology covers the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and arrhythmias.
MedlinePlus defines cardiovascular services as the branch of medicine concerned with the cardiovascular system (the heart, blood and vessels). Conditions include: coronary artery disease (angina and heart attack), heart failure and valve problems, hypertension and cholesterol, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, stroke and aneurysm, and congenital heart defects.
MedlinePlus lists common tests: echocardiography, cardiac MRI and CT, coronary angiography, the stress test, vascular ultrasound (such as the carotid artery), and positron emission tomography (PET). Less invasive procedures include therapeutic catheterisation, stent placement and ablation to treat arrhythmia; surgeries include arterial bypass, valve repair or replacement, pacemaker implantation and heart transplant. The team includes cardiologists, vascular surgeons, cardiac surgeons, nurses, practitioners and dietitians.
In one minute123
- What is it?
- A medical branch for the heart and blood vessels.
- Who is usually affected?
- People with heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmia or risk factors.
- Acute or chronic?
- Often long-term follow-up.
- Main symptoms
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, leg swelling (depending on the condition).
- Red flags?
- Yes: severe chest pain or signs of a stroke are an emergency.
- Preventable?
- Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and quitting smoking.
What is it?
Cardiovascular services: "the medical branch that focuses on the cardiovascular system", made up of the heart, blood and vessels (MedlinePlus).
Conditions it covers
The conditions linked to it on this site: coronary artery disease, heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia. The organ: the heart and the circulatory system.
MedlinePlus also lists among the conditions: hypertension and cholesterol, peripheral artery disease, stroke and aneurysm, congenital heart defects and valve problems.
Common tests and procedures
Tests mentioned: echocardiography, cardiac MRI and CT, coronary angiography, the stress test, vascular ultrasound (such as the carotid), and positron emission tomography. Procedures include angioplasty, stent placement and ablation for arrhythmia, and surgeries include bypass, valve repair, pacemaker implantation and heart transplant. This is a general list and not a treatment plan.
When to see one
Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus).
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Does every heart patient need surgery?
No. MedlinePlus lists less invasive options (medicines and procedures) alongside major surgeries, and the doctor chooses according to the condition.1
Questions for your doctor
- Do I need an echocardiogram or a stress test?
- What are my risk factors?
- What are the emergency signs?
References
- 1MedlinePlus. Heart and vascular services. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007459.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 2MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 3NHS. Heart attack. www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03
- 4NHS. Stroke — Symptoms. www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/symptoms/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.