What Is the Difference Between Cardiology and Preventive Cardiology?

Cardiology focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. Preventative cardiology specialists collaborate with you to manage risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases before they get worse. You can consult a cardiologist for medical review, disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and vascular conditions. Here are the differences between cardiology and preventive cardiology:

Cardiology Targets Diagnosed Conditions

Cardiology and preventive cardiology are branches of internal medicine involving specialization in the diseases of the cardiovascular system, which is the heart and blood vessels. These specialists can help treat heart disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, aortic dissection, and many other conditions. Cardiovascular disease symptoms typically include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting. You might also experience pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder, and arm. Such symptoms are linked to heart attacks if they appear together with chest pain and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis of heart issues typically involves family history and medical review and tests. They include physical exams, stress tests, echocardiograms, ultrasounds, and blood work. If you have a diagnosis, your cardiologist develops a personalized treatment plan to address the issue. Treatment options might include prescription medication to help treat the symptoms. Cardiologists also perform procedures like angioplasty, stenting, catheter ablation, or inserting a pacemaker. Cardiologists also take specialized care to manage chronic conditions, slow disease progression, and prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Preventative Care Target Risk Factors

Preventative cardiologists specialize in a subfield of cardiology that focuses on preventing heart disease and cardiovascular conditions before they happen or worsen. You can schedule an appointment with a cardiologist for preventative services before symptoms appear.

They will advise you on lifestyle changes and risk factor management to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic heart conditions. Your cardiologist teams up with professionals in other fields to develop a plan that supports your heart health. Cardiovascular diseases may be caused by many factors, from genes to lifestyle and injuries. Preventative care seeks to determine if you’re at risk of developing heart and vascular issues and target treatment. Cardiologists then develop plans to lower your risk factors and monitor your health.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include a family history of heart attacks, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Other factors include familial hypercholesterolemia, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Obesity and sedentary lifestyles, including smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise, also contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions. Cardiologists use this information to try and detect heart problems early, which helps them treat conditions before they worsen. Visit a cardiologist for tips on managing the condition and preventing future complications.

Seek Preventive Cardiology Today

Cardiology involves a comprehensive approach encompassing preventative measures, ongoing monitoring, symptom assessments, diagnosis, and treatment. Preventative care works to prevent heart and vascular conditions from developing or getting worse. Cardiology centers usually offer both services to help you prevent, treat, and manage heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Contact a cardiovascular disease or vascular specialist today to find out more about preventative cardiology.