Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Frank-Chris Schoebel

When is cardiac catheterization necessary? What are the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of this method? Can coronarography be performed in all cases, or is a differentiated approach preferable? Leading German cardiologists answer all these questions in this article.

Circulatory disorders can have various origins. It is believed that the predominance of fatty foods in the diet leads to an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood. Subsequently, it is deposited on the walls of the arteries. As a result, the vessel lumen narrows and the organ supplied with blood begins to lack nutrients, which causes the symptoms of atherosclerosis.

Myocardial infarction belongs to the so-called catastrophic episodes. Thanks to timely diagnosis and effective treatment methods, the incidence of fatalities has decreased, but patients who have suffered it need long-term rehabilitation. The chances to resume an active life in full directly depend on how correctly it is provided.

Coronary angioplasty and stenting is a method of treating coronary artery disease by restoring blood flow in the narrowed vessel that supplies blood to the heart. A heart catheterization is used to determine whether the procedure is indicated in each particular case.

High blood pressure is a widespread problem. Despite the availability of four classes of medications, not all patients can be helped. Researchers from Uppsala have sought to find out the effect of changing drugs. 

Blood pressure in the blood vessels is an important factor in the work of the cardiovascular system. When it constantly exceeds the norm, the whole body is at risk of irreversible abnormal changes. This condition is called arterial hypertension, which is a serious disease that needs timely treatment.