Cardiology

Cardiovascular Diseases and Complications

Heart diseases can be either congenital or acquired diseases with a diversity of cardiovascular complications such as:

• Arrhythmia – abnormal heart rhythm
• Atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries
• Cardiomyopathy – a condition that causes the hardening or weakening of the heart muscle
• Congenital heart defects – heart abnormalities happen at birth
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) – is caused by plaque build-up in the heart's arteries, also frequently known as ischemic heart disease
• Heart infections – commonly associated with parasites, viruses or bacteria

When It Is Recommended to See a Cardiology Doctor?

If you are experiencing or have in the past experienced any of these conditions, it is recommended that you make an appointment to visit the nearest cardiologist:

1. Chest pain

There is more than one reason that causes chest pain, but chest pain that occurs and worsens with movement is a sign that the heart is possibly not getting enough oxygen. A cardiologist can assess and perform relevant medical diagnoses.

2. Shortness of breath, palpitations or dizziness

Cardiologists can diagnose and determine whether these symptoms are caused by heart conditions. Symptoms like these could be the signs of possible irregular heart rhythm (such as atrial fibrillation) or coronary artery disease.

3. Diabetes

Poorly regulated blood sugar affects the normal functioning of blood vessels, and it increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease. A primary care physician and a cardiologist can combine their expertise to plan a preventive measure and treatment which reduces the risk of future complications.

4. A family history of heart disease

There are hereditary types of heart diseases. In such situations, a cardiologist can assess and determine the risk of the disease for a patient and suggest precautionary measures or management strategies.

5. Plan to start an exercise program or to get away from inactivity

Exercise brings many advantages to a person’s health, and plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of heart diseases. That being said, there are heart conditions that make exercise a possible harmful activity. When a person is considering exercising after having a sedentary lifestyle or having risk factors for heart diseases, consulting a cardiologist before starting is highly recommended.

Cardiology Tests to Diagnose Your Heart Condition

Heart disease is not an isolated condition or exists on its own. Often, it is a general phrase used to describe various diseases of the heart. SJMC offers a comprehensive range of cardiology care, from diagnosis to treatment. Heart conditions treated, for example, are arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart valve disorders and congenital cardiac abnormalities.

Before treatment is prescribed, the cardiologist runs a series of diagnostic tests and medical assessments, for example, the electrocardiogram (ECG OR EKG), echocardiogram, stress test, Holter monitor, and heart MRI.

Top Qualified Heart Surgeons with Comprehensive Cardiology Care for Adults & Children

SJMC provides a range of treatments for heart complications that include procedures such as fitting of pacemakers, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), angioplasty, and electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation conducted by our leading team of experienced heart surgeons, cardiologists and medical staff.

Refer to our list below to book an appointment with our highly experienced cardiologists.