As one of the most important specialties in the field of medicine, Cardiology is dedicated to diagnosing and treating heart-related diseases and conditions. 
Our team of experienced Cardiologists is committed to delivering the highest quality care to our patients. We specialize in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and valve disease.
 

What are the diseases related to cardiology and what are the reasons for seeking medical help?
Cardiology deals with high blood pressure, large limb artery diseases, coronary artery diseases, heart valve diseases, heart failure, arrhythmias, and lipid disorders. 
The most common reasons for patients to visit cardiology clinics are complaints such as irregular blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain, arm or leg pain, swelling, palpitations, easy fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
 

Private Koru Ankara Hospital's Cardiology Polyclinic provides a range of diagnostic tests. Some of the tests performed in the cardiology polyclinic are:

Electrocardiography (ECG): ECG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart to detect any abnormalities in the heart's rhythm or structure.
Echocardiography (Echo): Echo uses sound waves to produce images of the heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow. This test helps in the diagnosis and evaluation of heart conditions, such as heart failure, valve disease, or congenital heart disease.
Treadmill Exercise Test (TMT): TMT is a test that assesses the heart's response to physical activity. During the test, the patient walks on a treadmill while their heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are monitored.
Holter Monitoring: Holter Monitoring is a test that records the heart's activity for 24-48 hours. A small device is attached to the patient's chest, and it records the heart's electrical signals to detect any arrhythmias or other heart-related abnormalities.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM): ABPM is a test that records the patient's blood pressure over 24 hours. A small device is attached to the patient's arm, and it records their blood pressure at regular intervals to evaluate their blood pressure patterns throughout the day.
Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA): CCTA is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the heart's blood vessels. It is used to detect blockages or narrowing of the arteries that can cause chest pain or other symptoms.
Cardiac MRI (CMR): CMR is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the heart's structure and function. It helps in the diagnosis and evaluation of various heart conditions, such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart disease.

Interventional procedures performed at Private Koru Ankara Hospital
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve in the heart narrows and restricts blood flow. During TAVI, a new valve is inserted into the heart through a catheter, which is guided through an artery in the groin or chest. The new valve is placed within the existing valve and is expanded, pushing the old valve leaflets out of the way and allowing blood to flow freely. This method is less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery, as it does not require the chest to be opened, and is often used for patients who are not good candidates for surgery.
Temporary Pacemakers
Temporary pacemakers are medical devices used to regulate the heart's rhythm in patients who have experienced cardiac complications or require surgery. They consist of a generator, leads, and electrodes, and are attached to the heart through the veins. The generator sends electrical impulses to the heart to stimulate its contractions, thereby maintaining an adequate heart rate. Temporary pacemakers are often used in emergency situations or during surgical procedures, and are typically removed once the patient has stabilized or a permanent pacemaker is implanted.
Permanent Pacemakers
A pacemaker is a medical device that helps regulate the heart's rhythm by sending electrical impulses to the heart muscle. It consists of a small generator and leads that are implanted under the skin near the collarbone and threaded through veins to the heart. The generator contains a battery and a computer chip that monitors the heart's electrical activity and sends electrical signals to the heart when needed. Pacemakers are typically used to treat bradycardia, a condition in which the heart beats too slowly or irregularly. They can also be used to treat other heart conditions, such as heart failure and arrhythmias. Pacemakers are designed to last for several years and require regular check-ups to ensure proper function.
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology is the study of electrical properties of biological cells and tissues, and how they generate and transmit electrical signals. In the medical field, it is commonly used to diagnose and treat heart disorders. The process involves the placement of electrodes on the skin or within the body to measure the electrical activity of the heart. This activity is then recorded and analysed to identify any abnormalities or irregularities. Electrophysiology studies can help doctors determine the cause of heart rhythm problems and develop appropriate treatment plans, which may include medication, pacemakers, or other surgical interventions. Overall, electrophysiology plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of a variety of cardiovascular conditions.
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a medical procedure used to treat certain heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and threaded up to the heart.
Once the catheter is in place, a special machine delivers energy through the catheter to destroy small areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregular heartbeat. This is done by either heating the tissue (using radiofrequency energy) or freezing the tissue (using cryoablation).

The goal of catheter ablation is to create scar tissue in the heart that will block the abnormal electrical signals that cause the irregular heartbeat. This can help restore normal heart rhythm and reduce the risk of complications associated with an irregular heartbeat, such as stroke.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and sedation, so the patient is awake but relaxed during the procedure. It typically takes a few hours to complete, and patients may need to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring afterwards.
Overall, catheter ablation is considered a safe and effective treatment option for certain heart rhythm problems, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor can help determine if it's the right choice for you based on your individual medical history and condition.
Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the blood vessels of the heart, known as the coronary arteries. It is typically used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease, which is a condition in which the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, leading to chest pain or other symptoms.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and threaded up to the heart. A special dye, known as contrast, is then injected through the catheter into the coronary arteries. X-ray images are taken as the contrast flows through the arteries, allowing doctors to see any blockages or narrowing in the arteries that may be causing symptoms.
Coronary angiography can also be used to guide other treatments, such as angioplasty or stent placement, which can help open up blocked or narrowed arteries and restore blood flow to the heart.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation, so the patient is awake but relaxed during the procedure. It typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, although it may take longer if additional treatments are needed. After the procedure, patients may need to lie flat for a few hours to prevent bleeding from the insertion site.
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a medical procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. It involves inserting a catheter with a deflated balloon at the end into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and threading it up to the blocked or narrowed area of the coronary artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque and widen the artery, allowing for better blood flow to the heart.
In many cases, a stent is also placed during the PTKA procedure. A stent is a small, metal mesh tube that is inserted into the artery to help keep it open after the balloon is deflated and removed. The stent is usually left in place permanently to support the artery and maintain blood flow to the heart.
PTKA with stent placement is typically performed under local anaesthesia and sedation, so the patient is awake but relaxed during the procedure. It is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it does not require open-heart surgery and typically results in a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
Mitral Valve Repair
Mitral valve repair, also known as mitral valvuloplasty, is a surgical procedure used to treat a malfunctioning mitral valve in the heart. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle and helps regulate blood flow through the heart. During mitral valve repair, a surgeon will make a small incision in the chest and use specialized instruments to repair the valve. This may involve reshaping the valve, repairing the valve leaflets or chordae tendineae, or replacing any damaged tissue. The goal of mitral valve repair is to restore normal valve function and improve blood flow through the heart, while preserving the patient's own valve tissue. Compared to mitral valve replacement, mitral valve repair has been shown to provide better long-term outcomes and lower risks of complications.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization, also known as heart catheterization, is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, arm, or neck and threaded up to the heart. Once in place, the catheter can be used to measure pressures inside the heart, take blood samples, and perform imaging tests to evaluate the heart's structure and function.
Cardiac catheterization can also be used to perform certain treatments, such as angioplasty or stent placement, to open up blocked or narrowed blood vessels in the heart. In some cases, doctors may use cardiac catheterization to perform a procedure called an electrophysiology study, which evaluates the heart's electrical system to diagnose and treat arrhythmias.
Cardiac catheterization is usually performed under local anaesthesia and sedation, so the patient is awake but relaxed during the procedure. It typically takes about an hour to complete, although it may take longer if additional treatments are needed. After the procedure, patients may need to lie flat for a few hours to prevent bleeding from the insertion site.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation
EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) is a non-invasive therapy used to treat angina, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. During EECP therapy, the patient lies on a special table with cuffs wrapped around their legs. These cuffs inflate and deflate in time with the patient's heartbeat, increasing blood flow to the heart and improving circulation throughout the body. This increased blood flow can help alleviate symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. EECP is sometimes referred to as "balloon angioplasty" because of the similarity in the inflation and deflation of the cuffs to the process used in balloon angioplasty procedures. However, unlike balloon angioplasty, EECP is non-invasive and does not require any incisions or insertion of catheters. EECP is typically administered as a series of outpatient treatments over several weeks.
 

Private Koru Ankara Hospital and Cardiolgy
Koru Hospital Cardiology Department is led by an experienced and expert team, dedicated to providing the highest quality care for patients with heart disease. With state-of-the-art equipment and a patient-centered approach, we are committed to delivering personalized treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you are seeking a routine check-up or advanced cardiac care, you can trust our team to provide exceptional care and support throughout your journey to better heart health.