Heart
Cardiology
Cardiology is a specialised field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions related to the heart and circulatory system.
The heart is a vital organ that plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It pumps blood to the body and supplies essential oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
Heart disease, including conditions such as coronary artery disease and heart attack, is a leading cause of death worldwide. As of 2021, the leading cause of death in Malaysia is cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CVD accounts for approximately 29% of all deaths in Malaysia.
Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. It is recommended to have regular heart health check-ups and engage in healthy lifestyle choices to maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, and physical activity can help to prevent and manage heart disease. Medications, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to manage heart conditions.
Advances in medical technology have made it possible to diagnose and treat heart conditions with minimally invasive procedures, preserving the health and function of this critical organ.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - A condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, often leading to chest pain and heart attacks.
- Heart Failure - The heart's inability to pump blood effectively, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.
- Arrhythmias - Irregular heartbeats, which can manifest as tachycardia (fast heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate).
- Valvular Heart Diseases - Conditions affecting the heart valves, such as stenosis or regurgitation, impairing blood flow.
- Hypertension / High Blood Pressure - Persistent elevation of blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Cardiomyopathy - Diseases of the heart muscle, leading to structural or functional abnormalities.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - Narrowing of arteries outside the heart, often affecting the legs, leading to reduced blood flow.
- Congenital Heart Defects - Structural abnormalities present at birth affecting the heart's structure and function.
- Coronary Angiography - Imaging procedure to visualise blood vessels in the heart, often used to diagnose coronary artery disease.
- Angioplasty - Procedures to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels and often involves placing a stent to maintain blood flow.
- Cardiac Catheterisation - Diagnostic procedure involving the insertion of a catheter to assess heart function and blood flow.
- Cardiac Bypass Surgery - Surgical procedure to reroute blood flow around blocked coronary arteries.
- Pacemaker Implantation - Surgical insertion of a device to regulate and control heart rhythms.
- Heart Valve Repair or Replacement - Surgical procedures to repair or replace damaged heart valves.
- Electrophysiology Studies - Diagnostic tests to study the heart's electrical system, often used to address arrhythmias.