Cardiology in Palamós: Cardiovascular Health

What is Cardiology?

Cardiology is the medical specialty dedicated to the heart and the circulatory system. Basic prevention in cardiology consists of diet, physical activity and weight reduction. It also involves the detection of cases of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea syndrome or smoking, where it will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.

Prevention also includes the medical examination of people who engage in intense physical exercise, present the risk factors mentioned above, or are relatives of patients with premature cardiac pathology or risk factors.

The most frequent diseases within the specialty of Cardiology are angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease and heart failure. The symptom most associated with a Cardiology consultation is the presence of chest pain.

If you need a cardiologist in Palamós, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. At Clínica Eupnea we offer a comprehensive service and a complete study of the cardiovascular system and its relationship with other medical specialties.

What do we treat in Cardiology?

Our team of cardiologists treats a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases, including:

• Angina pectoris
• Myocardial infarction
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Valvular heart disease
• Heart failure
• Arterial hypertension
• Diabetes (as a cardiovascular risk factor)
• Dyslipidaemia
• Sleep apnoea syndrome (as a cardiovascular risk factor)
• Chest pain

Diagnostic Studies in Cardiology at Clínica Eupnea Palamós

The diagnostic tests are carried out by a specialist in Cardiology who issues the reports, prescribes the treatment and also carries out the follow-up of patients.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A test that records the electrical signals of the heart. It is able to quickly detect a cardiac problem, showing whether the heart beats at a normal rhythm and strength. The electrocardiogram is one of the most basic and fundamental tests within the specialty of Cardiology.

Echocardiogram

A technique that uses sound waves to obtain an image of the heart, allowing us to see how it beats and how it pumps blood. The echocardiogram is able to identify many cardiac diseases, such as valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies and other structural alterations of the heart.

Holter ECG

A device that is placed on the patient's chest and records continuous monitoring of the heart rhythm over 24 hours. This test is especially useful for monitoring the heart rate and studying arrhythmias that may not appear during a conventional consultation.

Blood pressure Holter

An ambulatory study that allows blood pressure to be monitored continuously throughout the day and night. This test is fundamental for the diagnosis and follow-up of arterial hypertension, as it offers a complete record of pressure variations during the patient's daily activities.

Ergometry or stress test

A test mainly indicated in patients with chest pain. It consists of performing intense physical effort (usually on a treadmill or bicycle) while monitoring alterations in the heart that may indicate coronary disease. It is carried out together with an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the electrical activity of the heart during exercise.

Supra-aortic trunks Doppler ultrasound

An ultrasound test especially useful for evaluating the state of the circulation adjacent to the heart, specifically the blood vessels that supply the brain. It allows the detection of stenosis, atheroma plaques and other vascular alterations that may pose a risk of stroke.

Medical information related to cardiovascular diseases can be found on the website of the Spanish Heart Foundation (fundaciondelcorazon.com).