Cardiology deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart and the circulatory system, such as coronary heart disease and heart failure. Pulmonology deals with respiratory health, focusing on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the lungs and the respiratory system. While cardiology and pulmonology focus on different systems, there are conditions that may require attention from both specialties. The collaboration between cardiology and pulmonology ensures that patients receive comprehensive, well-coordinated care, with a focus on optimizing both heart and lung function to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by heart and lung disease.
DISEASES:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and serious medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries that supply blood to the lungs. This condition causes the small arteries in the lungs to become narrowed and stiff, making it more difficult for blood to flow through them. As a result, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood into the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased strain on the heart which may lead to right heart failure. Common symptoms of PAH include dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms are often non-specific and may be mistaken for other lung or cardiac diseases.
PAH is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition. It can develop as a result of underlying conditions or genetic factors, or it may occur idiopathically (without an identifiable cause). Some common conditions associated with PAH include connective tissue diseases, congenital heart defects, liver disease, as well as certain drugs or toxins.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is another form of pulmonary hypertension characterized by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries with organized blood clots. These obstructions lead to increased resistance and high blood pressure in the lung vessels leading to increased strain for the right heart. Unlike other forms of pulmonary hypertension, CTEPH can potentially be cured by surgery.