Medical specialty: Cardiology
In the German speaking countries (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), cardiologists have to complete a six-year training as an internist (including exam) after their medical studies before they can start with their cardiological specialization.
Cardiology focuses on congenital and acquired heart diseases, diseases of the blood circulation and the blood vessels in the vicinity of the heart. Even intensive care belongs to the field of cardiology. Among the most commonly treated diseases are the stroke, arterial occlusive disease, hypertension and coronary heart disease.
The standard methods of examination and surgical procedures in cardiology include ultrasound and echocardiography, the cardiac catheter examination by means of coronary angiography, stent implantations, atherectomy, pacemaker therapy, electrocardiograms and antiarrhythmic therapeutic procedures including defibrillation and ablation.