Interventional cardiology can be a great way to diagnose and treat heart conditions. Many of the more well-known forms of cardiac treatment include lifestyle changes, but interventional cardiology brings an interesting approach to heart disease treatment by focusing on a catheter-based form of treatment. The fact is not every instance of heart disease can be treated through non-invasive means. Sometimes the best way to manage heart-related symptoms and reduce the chance of long-term complications is through non-surgical medical procedures that involve the use of a catheter.
Interventional cardiology is a sub-branch of cardiology that focuses specifically on the treatment of patients using a catheter - a small tube that can be inserted into chamber or vessels of the heart. Although there are some risks associated with interventional cardiology, it is ultimately safe and painless for the patient. The main purpose behind interventional cardiology treatment is to widen narrow arteries and repair damaged or weakened blood vessels in an effort to promote healthy, efficient blood flow throughout the entire body.
Perhaps the two most common types of treatment in this specialty is angioplasty and stenting, which both help achieve healthy blood flow to and from the heart. Interventional cardiologists are required to complete additional education and training before they can begin treatment using catheter-based methods.
It can be helpful to know what makes interventional cardiology unique to understand its role in the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related conditions. Cardiology is a fairly broad field, and there are many different types of cardiologists, including the following:
Interventional cardiologists primarily work through the use of a catheter in a non-surgical medical procedure to confirm a diagnosis and treat the condition. A cardiac or vascular surgeon is different than an interventional cardiologist in the sense that they specialize in surgery, whereas an interventional cardiologist does not conduct surgery. While a cardiac surgeon may also use a stent in a somewhat similar manner, they do so in a method that requires the patient to be heavily sedated, whereas the patient is awake during a non-surgical catheter-based treatment procedure.
There is a range of heart-related issues that might require the need for an interventional cardiology procedure. Perhaps most notably, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and peripheral vascular disease are treated by an interventional cardiologist. Of course, these terms may not mean much to the average person, and it can be more helpful to know the symptoms of these conditions instead, which include:
Anytime one or more of the aforementioned symptoms exist for an extended amount of time it is important to seek medical assistance for diagnosis and treatment. If the symptoms become severe and appear to be life-threatening, then be sure to call for medical help right away.
Interventional cardiology has made very useful contributions to the way heart diseases are diagnosed and treated. There are many benefits a patient can receive by visiting an interventional cardiologist for treatment, including:
While it may seem invasive, interventional cardiology procedures should not cause the patient any pain, and the procedures do not take long to complete. Additionally, it provides long-term treatment results by getting to the exact cause of the symptoms and treating the issue, whereas non-invasive cardiologists might only diagnose the condition and give instructions for dietary and lifestyle changes. While a non-invasive cardiologist can help with diagnosis, an interventional cardiologist can help patients live life the way they want long-term without having to fear symptoms from significantly interrupting them every day.
If you struggle with chronic chest pain or other heart-related symptoms and want to find relief and protect your long-term health, schedule an appointment with us today. Speak with one of our interventional cardiologists about what treatment options might be available for your specific heart condition. Heart disease does not have to hold you back from living a quality life and doing things you love to do. Our staff is here to help you live your best life, regardless of any heart condition you may have.
Request an appointment here or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 325-6495 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.
Florida Premier Cardiology is located at
5210 Linton Blvd Suite 301
Delray Beach, FL
33484