Cardiology Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💓
Add to dictionary

cardiology

[kahr-dee-OL-uh-jee ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical specialty

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and blood vessels. It involves the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in this field and perform various diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, stress tests, and catheterizations. The field is also closely related to other medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and radiology.

Synonyms

cardiac medicine, heart medicine.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to specialize in cardiology after medical school.
  • The conference focused on advancements in cardiology research.
  • She was referred to a cardiology expert for further evaluation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first known heart surgery was performed in 1896 by Dr. Ludwig Rehn, pioneering modern cardiology.
  • In the mid-20th century, the introduction of electrocardiograms (ECGs) revolutionized how doctors diagnose heart conditions.

Science

  • Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, emphasizing the importance of this medical field.
  • New technologies, like heart imaging techniques, help doctors see heart problems without surgery, improving patient care.

Pop Culture

  • Many TV dramas feature cardiologists as main characters, highlighting the excitement and challenges of saving lives.
  • Cardiology-themed documentaries often showcase groundbreaking heart surgeries and the patients' recovery journeys.

Psychology

  • Stress can significantly impact heart health, underscoring the link between mental and physical well-being.
  • Practices like mindfulness and yoga are increasingly recommended alongside traditional treatments to promote heart health.

Origin of 'cardiology'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'kardio', meaning heart, and 'logia', which means study.
  • It emerged as a formal medical field in the 19th century but has roots in ancient practices regarding heart health.

The term 'cardiology' has its roots in the Greek language, derived from 'kardia', meaning heart, and 'logia', meaning study or discourse. It started to be used in the 19th century as a way to describe the growing field of medical study focused specifically on the heart and its diseases. As medical knowledge advanced and technology improved, the field of cardiology has evolved significantly, expanding its focus not only to the treatment of heart diseases but also to prevention and wellness. Various diagnostic techniques and treatment methodologies have emerged since its inception, led by pioneering cardiologists who contributed significantly to our understanding of cardiovascular health. Today, cardiology encompasses various subspecialties, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and pediatric cardiology, making it an essential component of modern medicine.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,607, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.