What is Interventional Cardiology?

What is Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that utilizes minimally-invasive procedures, non-surgical imaging, and diagnostic techniques to evaluate blood flow through the arteries and heart chambers. Interventional cardiologists use similar procedures to treat cardiovascular disease. A typical procedure employed in interventional cardiology involves the insertion of a catheter into the femoral artery, which is then guided to the heart and vascular area to treat or repair a problem.

What is an interventional cardiologist?

This specialized cardiologist undergoes an additional year of education and training beyond a general residency in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of coronary artery, vascular and structural heart disease and its complications. In pediatrics, such cardiologists are critical in the treatment of congenital heart disease. A cardiologist that receives this additional training would then be eligible for board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine. 

At Texas Cardiology Associates of Houston, in addition to administering diagnostic tests and evaluating the presence of disease, our Kingwood cardiologists can perform non-surgical, catheter-based procedures to treat and repair cardiovascular problems.

Who should see an interventional cardiologist?

Men under the age of 55, and women under 65 who have suffered a heart attack or stroke should seek out this special kind of cardiologist. However, the best health care should always include proper screening and early treatment as well as preventative care for heart disease. 

If your primary care doctor finds signs of heart valve disease, a serious blood vessel problem, or unstable angina, she may give you a referral. She may also refer you if you require angioplasty or an interventional cardiology procedure such as cardiac catheterization.

When should you see a cardiologist?

If you are experiencing chest pains, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, you’d be well advised to see one of the Kingwood cardiologists at Texas Cardiology Associates of Houston. Any one of these symptoms could be a sign of a cardiovascular problem. 

Risk factors should also be considered and you should take heed if you or members of your family have a history of congestive heart failure, if you smoke, if you suffer from high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, or diabetes.

What conditions and diseases can an interventional cardiologist treat with these minimally invasive interventional cardiology procedures?

This specialized cardiologist treats diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and cardiac arrhythmias, to name a few. Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries which causes them to harden and narrow, reducing the flow of blood to vital organs. The resulting condition is called Atherosclerosis. 

Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the top chambers(or atria) of the heart do not beat in coordination with the lower (ventricle) chambers. Cardiac arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are caused by a malfunction of the heart’s electrical system. Each of these conditions can be treated through the employ of interventional cardiology catheter-based procedures.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Kingwood Cardiologist today to see if you could benefit from interventional cardiology.

Your heart and circulatory system are vital to your well-being and quality of life, and our highly skilled Kingwood cardiologists at Texas Cardiology Associates of Houston can diagnose and treat any cardiovascular conditions you may have. We’ll also help you manage your risk factors. If you have any questions about Interventional Cardiology or you’d like to schedule and appointment by phone, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 281-358-1950; or you can make an appointment online, here. If you’d like to read more about the individual interventional procedures we specialize in, click here.