The two vital branches of Cardiology: Invasive & Non-Invasive Cardiology
Invasive & Non-invasive Cardiology
The heart is a key element of the human body and having good heart health is essential to maintaining the overall health of the human body. In this unpredictable life, there are many health issues and complications that can arise without warning and to be prepared, you must keep yourself updated on the issues and complications that can strike at any moment. Especially in matters of your heart, there are many things to keep in mind and many more things to incorporate in your day-to-day life to nourish and manage your well-being. And as always, the first step to learning more about it begins with learning more about Cardiology, which is the specialisation that deals with the intrinsic study of the human heart. At Medark Hospital, the best heart hospital in Haryana, we are proud to offer both invasive and non-invasive cardiology services, making us the top choice for anyone seeking exceptional cardiac care.Cardiology can broadly be classified into two broad categories, namely invasive, and non-invasive Cardiology.
Invasive Cardiology
Invasive Cardiology is the branch of Cardiology that deals with using minimally invasive procedures to identify anomalies and heart problems. These are generally minor surgeries that involve breaking into the patient’s skin to treat and diagnose cardiovascular issues. Some of the procedures that are usually done under Invasive Cardiology are :
Cardiac Catheterization:
In this procedure, a catheter (a medical-grade thin tube used for a variety of functions & procedures) is guided by the cardiologist over the heart to conduct diagnostic tests or other treatment procedures that are related to the heart.
Balloon Angioplasty, Catheter Ablation, and Coronary Stents are some of the procedures that come under Cardiac Catheterization.
Heart Attack-Stenting:
A stent is required when arteries carrying blood to your heart become blocked owing to high cholesterol levels. To improve blood flow, metal mesh coils called stents are placed in arteries that are already constricted. These are typically used to smooth the blood flow in the body following a heart attack. The stent also keeps your artery open and prevents blockages.
Electrophysiology Studies:
Through a catheter with electrodes on its tip, a cardiologist measures the heart’s electrical impulses and uses it to pinpoint the affected heart muscle’s precise location and to administer tiny electric impulses to affect heart rhythm problems and gather more information about them.
Electrical Cardioversion Procedure:
Here, the cardiologist delivers low-voltage electric current to the chest by paddles or patches to reset the heart’s rhythm to an average pace. Usually, this procedure is accompanied by a short-acting anaesthetic.
Embedded Devices:
In this method, small devices are implanted near the heart to treat complex heart rhythm disorders. Some of the devices that can be mentioned about that are :
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): This device is used to monitor cardiac rhythm and deliver electric currents to regulate the heart if abnormalities are detected. The current is calibrated by the device to react when the rhythm is required to be slowed down or to engage in defibrillation when it is necessary to restore the heart to a stable pace.
Implantable Pacemaker: These pacemakers are used to prevent the heart from going below the recommended pulse. Besides this core feature, they also include heart rhythm sensors that track and stabilise the pulse.
In a general sense, Invasive Cardiology usually deals with conditions such as valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, vascular disease, and acquired structural heart disease.
Non-Invasive Cardiology
Non-invasive cardiology in Haryana deals with procedures that recognize or treat heart problems such as Congestive heart failure, and arrhythmia, without the usage of fluids, needles, and other instruments in the body. This means it utilises or involves tests rather than any other procedure that may involve breaking into the skin. The procedures that come under non-invasive cardiology are relatively simple and they usually include basic procedures such as taking blood pressure, listening to the heartbeat, or monitoring pulse during physical exercise. For example, some of the tests that come under non invasive cardiology tests in Haryana include.
Chest X-Ray:
A chest X-ray test can help doctors diagnose and monitor various conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, and lung cancer and they can also be utilised to check or monitor the condition the patient is in after they have undergone a specific procedure or surgery.
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG):
An electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart to assess and analyse your heart activity to check if you’ve had a heart attack or if you are at risk of having one. It also detects changes in your heart’s rhythm, which helps doctors to accurately identify the issues and intricacies within your heart.
Computer Imaging:
Computer Imaging could involve a CT or CAT scan or MRI. The computer image is used to generate a three-dimensional image that can help show blockages in the heart or find out about calcium deposits that may be present in the arteries. It can also help in the early detection of pulmonary embolism or other heart ailments and cardiovascular diseases that can be prevented with early diagnosis and care.
Nuclear Heart Scan:A nuclear heart scan is quite similar to an exercise stress test, but it’s performed to capture photos of your heart in action. This is used to detect heart blockages, measure blood flow or identify heart muscle damage from a heart attack. Besides the above-mentioned methods and tests, standard procedures such as these also fall under non-invasive cardiology department in Haryana:
Exercise Stress Test
Treadmill Test
Exercise Cardiac Stress Test
General Exercise Test
These tests are performed to check the state of your breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and endurance about your heart health. These tests can help in determining and diagnosing several heart problems while also figuring out your safe level of exercise.
Non-surgical Cardiologists in Haryana usually prescribe methods that are usually related to your dietary and nutritional practices and habits that you can incorporate into your day-to-day routine and lifestyle. This differs from the practices and methods used by Invasive cardiologists, who usually utilise minor surgical procedures and devices to treat ailments of the heart.
Always remember, that the state of your body depends on a well-balanced lifestyle, nutrition, and a thorough knowledge of your medical history and the various diseases and conditions you might be susceptible to in the future. Especially when it comes to your heart health, engaging in regular checkups or tests, some of which have been mentioned above, are necessary to get an idea of what works best for you. In the case of early detection, you have better chances of overcoming the ailment through uncomplicated means and procedures than when the issue is discovered in a comparatively more complicated stage.
