Cardiology

Why Choose Us?

When it comes to heart health, especially in responding to a heart attack, time is the most critical factor. Our hospital is equipped to intervene immediately and effectively in heart attacks with its 24/7 emergency angiography capacity. Unlike traditional methods, the radial (wrist) angiography method, which maximizes patient comfort and accelerates post-procedure recovery, is successfully performed in our clinic.

Additionally, our fully equipped Coronary Intensive Care Unit, where our patients are safely monitored after interventional procedures or in critical situations, provides uninterrupted healthcare under the supervision of our expert physician and nursing staff. Our goal is to offer both medical safety and comfort together, even in your most challenging moments.

Which Diseases and Conditions are Treated in the Cardiology Department?

The treatment of many congenital or acquired heart conditions is meticulously carried out in our department. The most common cardiovascular diseases we encounter include:

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough oxygen and blood required by the body. It usually manifests with symptoms such as shortness of breath, quick fatigue, waking up at night with a feeling of suffocation, and swelling (edema) in the legs. In our cardiology department, the underlying causes of heart failure are investigated in detail. With early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and personalized medication, the quality of life of our patients is significantly improved.

Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmia)

Arrhythmia is the condition where the heart beats too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Our patients often describe this as a palpitation in their chest, a fluttering sensation, dizziness, or fainting. In our clinic, the definitive diagnosis of rhythm disorders is made, and when necessary, treatment is provided using advanced methods such as electrophysiological study (EPS) or ablation.

Coronary Artery Diseases and Heart Attack

Coronary artery diseases and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) occur as a result of the gradual narrowing or sudden blockage of the vessels feeding the heart muscle (coronary arteries). A pressing pain in the chest (angina pectoris) is the most common warning sign. As we emphasized in our article Before a Heart Attack Knocks on Your Door: Manage the Risks, Protect Your Life!, managing risk factors early saves lives.

Other Cardiovascular Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Aortic Stenosis and Aortic Regurgitation
• Mitral Valve Stenosis and Regurgitation
• Acute Myocarditis (Inflammation of the Heart Muscle)
• Peripheral Artery Diseases (Leg Vein Blockages)
• Endocardial Diseases and Pericardial Effusion
• Cardiomyopathy (Heart Muscle Diseases)

Diagnostic Methods Used in Heart Diseases

The right treatment starts with the right diagnosis. In our clinic, the most up-to-date technologies are used to diagnose diseases:

Echocardiography (ECHO)

Echocardiography is an imaging method that examines the structure of the heart, the functioning of the valves, and the contraction power of the heart muscle using sound waves (ultrasound). It is painless and does not involve radiation. It is the gold standard in the diagnosis of heart failure, valve diseases, and congenital heart anomalies. When deemed necessary, Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), which is performed by entering through the esophagus to see the posterior structures of the heart more clearly, is also applied by our specialists.

Coronary Angiography

It is an interventional diagnostic method that definitively detects narrowing or blockages in the heart vessels. In our hospital, radial (wrist) angiography is frequently preferred, as it significantly increases patient comfort, reduces the risk of bleeding, and allows the patient to stand up immediately after the procedure. Narrowings detected during the procedure can be treated in the same session by applying a balloon and stent.

Stress Test and Holter Monitoring

The stress test measures the heart's performance under exercise, revealing hidden cardiovascular diseases that do not show symptoms while resting. A rhythm Holter records the patient's 24-hour heart rhythm to catch intermittent palpitations, while a blood pressure Holter measures blood pressure throughout the day and is used in the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of hypertension.

Other Diagnostic Methods

• ECG (Electrocardiography)
• Leg Vein Angiography
• Carotid Artery Angiography
• Electrophysiological Study (EPS)

Treatment Methods and Applications

Personalized treatment plans are created for the diseases diagnosed in our department. In addition to medical treatments, interventional methods are successfully applied. Coronary angiography with stenting, carotid artery stenting, and opening of leg vein blockages are among the routine procedures of our clinic. Furthermore, the implantation of temporary and permanent pacemakers for our patients with rhythm disorders or heart failure, as well as regular check-ups of existing pacemakers, are performed by our specialist physicians.

Our Technology and Expert Team

The BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi Cardiology Department has modern diagnostic units equipped with up-to-date medical technologies and angiography laboratories with high standards. Our experienced physicians, including Asst. Prof. Hüseyin ÖZDİL, MD, and our expert healthcare staff carry out a personalized, meticulous, and compassionate treatment process for each patient while adhering to medical ethical values.

When Should You Visit the Cardiology Department?

Heart diseases can sometimes progress silently, but you should never ignore the following signals your body gives:

• A feeling of pressure, burning, or squeezing in the chest (Angina)
• Shortness of breath with exertion or at rest (Dyspnea)
• Irregular heartbeats, skipping a beat, or palpitations (Arrhythmia)
• Unexplained fainting (Syncope) or frequent dizziness
• Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen (Edema)
• Bluish discoloration of the lips or fingertips (Cyanosis)
• Quick fatigue while doing daily tasks
• Resistant high blood pressure (Hypertension)

Appointment and Consultation Process

Do not delay your heart health. If you are looking for a private hospital cardiology department, we are by your side with our well-equipped infrastructure and expert staff. For your consultation, echocardiography appointment, or stress test planning, you can visit our appointment page or contact our call center 24/7 at 0850 811 34 00.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a cardiology consultation performed?

A cardiology consultation begins with our specialist physician listening to your complaints and evaluating your medical history. Then, your heart sounds are listened to with a stethoscope, your blood pressure is measured, and an ECG (Electrocardiography) is usually taken for a basic evaluation. If deemed necessary, echocardiography, a stress test, or blood tests may be requested.

How long does an angiography procedure take?

A coronary angiography procedure is generally completed in 15 to 30 minutes. The observation period after the procedure may take a few hours, depending on whether the angiography is performed from the wrist or the groin. In angiographies performed from the wrist, our patients can stand up in a much shorter time.

What should be considered before a stress test?

It is recommended that you eat a light meal before coming to the stress test and choose comfortable clothes like sweatpants and sports shoes so that you can be comfortable on the treadmill. If you have any blood pressure or heart medications that you use regularly, it is crucial to inform your doctor in advance, as they may affect the test.

Are heart palpitations always dangerous?

Although not every palpitation is dangerous, it can be a harbinger of an underlying heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia). Stress, caffeine consumption, or fatigue can also cause palpitations, but if the palpitation is accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, blackout, or shortness of breath, a cardiology specialist should be consulted without delay.