BIO MEDICAL CENTER
Cardiology
Cardiology (from the Greek kardia, meaning heart, and logos, meaning study or discourse) is the medical specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis and treatment of acquired and congenital cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death in Western countries (accounting for around 50% of all deaths).
The most common heart conditions include stable angina, unstable angina and myocardial infarction. Alongside genetic predisposition, the main risk factors are unhealthy lifestyles and poor daily habits. Individuals who consume excessive amounts of saturated fats and salt are more likely to develop high cholesterol and hypertension, two of the primary causes of atherosclerosis.
Smoking and diabetes are also major contributors to the development of atherosclerotic disease. Effective management of these risk factors, combined with modern medical therapies and regular physical activity, has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of degenerative cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Daniele D’Este
Dr.ssa Valeria Cutaia
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BIO MEDICAL CENTER
Cardiology Consultation
A cardiology consultation includes both the patient’s medical history and a physical examination.
Medical history involves:
- Collecting information about the patient’s personal and family medical history that may help identify the cause of cardiovascular conditions, including the results of previous laboratory and diagnostic tests (past medical history).
- Discussing with the patient the symptoms, concerns and reasons that led to the specialist consultation (history of the present illness).
A thorough medical history is essential for reaching an accurate diagnosis.
The physical examination includes:
- Visual inspection to identify signs of cardiovascular disease (such as swelling or oedema).
- Blood pressure measurement.
- Assessment of arterial pulses.
- Cardiac auscultation and evaluation for possible vascular murmurs.
- Examination of the chest to assess respiratory function.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an essential complement to a cardiology consultation.
An ECG provides valuable information about the heart’s electrical activity, heart size and possible coronary artery disease (conditions affecting the arteries that supply blood to the heart).
In many cases, the cardiology consultation and ECG alone are sufficient to establish a diagnosis. They also provide the cardiologist with the information needed to determine whether additional investigations are required, such as an echocardiogram, exercise stress test or Holter ECG monitoring.
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Cardiology Follow-up
A cardiology follow-up is scheduled after a period of time determined by the specialist. Unlike the initial consultation, this appointment focuses primarily on the condition previously diagnosed and is intended to assess whether the disease has completely or partially resolved, or whether the patient’s clinical condition has improved.
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Echocardiography
Echocardiography is a painless and non-invasive examination that uses ultrasound rather than X-rays. Ultrasound waves are transmitted through a device called a transducer, which is placed on the chest with the aid of a small amount of gel. The sound waves travel through the body’s tissues, and the returning echoes are displayed on the ultrasound monitor.
The examination is performed while the patient lies comfortably on an examination couch with the upper body exposed. At BIO Medical Center, echocardiography is performed on patients aged 6 years and older, as younger children require a dedicated paediatric transducer.
The examination takes approximately 20 minutes and provides detailed information about the structure of the heart, the heart valves and their function.
BIO MEDICAL CENTER
Sports Fitness Certificate
Medical certificate for participation in non-competitive sports activities for adults and children
This medical certificate is issued by a specialist in Cardiology or Sports Medicine and is required for participation in non-competitive sports activities. Before the certificate is issued, the patient undergoes a cardiology consultation including a resting electrocardiogram (ECG).