‘Cardiology’ refers to the branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the heart and blood vessels. A ‘cardiologist’ is a certified physician dealing with cardiovascular system (heart, arteries, and veins). This field of medicinal practice is generally divided into the following categories:
- ‘Congenital heart defects’ are the mainly an obstruction or abnormal pattern of blood flow. Considered one of the most common birth defects, so anyone working with this specific malfunction should be strongly knowledgable with pediatrics.
- ‘Coronary artery disease’ (CAD) can also be referred to as “coronary heart disease’ (CHD). I know this is silly because CHD has the same initials as ‘congenital heart defects’, but whenever the abbreviation CHD is used, it is assumed to be coronary heart disease. As the leading cause of death in both men and women over the age of twenty, the first symptom (usually a heart attack) does not even make itself known until serious progression of the disease. It is caused by plaque build-up along the walls of the myocardium. Jobs for someone specializing in the treatment of this sickness will never be out of demand.
- ‘Heart failure’ can also be referred to as ‘congestive heart failure’ (CHF), and/or ‘congestive cardiac failure’ (CCF). It is an impairment of the heart’s ability to fill up with enough blood to maintain adequate blood pressure for the brain to function correctly. Even with the best therapy, heart failure is associated with an annual mortality of 10%.
- ‘Valvular heart disease’ deals with any of the four valves of the heart (tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral, and aortic).
- ‘Electrophysiology’ is concerned with the electrical activity of the cells and heart tissues. With jobs like this, it is a plus to be knowledgeable of and have some sort of experience with neuroscience.
Cardiology jobs can be found in hospitals, urgent cares, as well as many private practice offices.
Labels: cardiology jobs
