About Cardiology
Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiologists study the field of cardiology, which deals with prevention and treatment of heart conditions. Heart conditions may go unnoticed for a long period of time and sometimes it is too late once a person finds out they have a condition.
The field of cardiology has seen major advances. Since 1628 when blood circulation was first explained by William Harvey, cardiology has seen major advances. Over one hundred years later in 1733, Stephen Hale first measured blood pressure and it wasn't until 1838 when Robert Gross performed the first heart surgery.
Advances in technology lead to a plethora of devices that were invented such as the pacemaker and artificial heart. The pacemaker was designed to help regulate heartbeats and is still used today. The cardiologist will determine each patient's pace and program the device. In some cases, a patient may have to be fitted with an artificial heart, which replaces the heart when a transplant is not available. Recent advances have prolonged the life of artificial heart recipients for years, whereas the first artificial heart transplant patient only survived a few hours after surgery.
Heart disease is caused by a buildup of fatty tissue around the arteries, which causes pressure in the arteries. Heart disease is a deadly disease; however, common heart problems are not limited to this ailment. Other conditions include varicose veins caused by vascular disease, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome caused by disease to the heart valves and angina caused by disorders of coronary circulation.
All causes of heart conditions and disease stem from a poor diet; however, other factors can contribute to conditions or disease as well, such as smoking or excessive drinking. A poor diet or diet high in cholesterol can cause high blood pressure and diabetes, which if left untreated can lead to heart disease. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables and ones that are high in fiber will help contribute to a healthy heart.