Cardiology is a medical field dealing with structure, function, diseases and disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiovascular diseases are caused by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and include coronary heart disease (heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), raised blood pressure (hypertension), peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and heart failure. The major causes of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet.

Cardiologists investigate patients with suspected heart disease by taking into consideration extensive history of the patient's condition, and performing a complete physical and biochemical examination. The 20th century saw many surgical advances in cardiology, including heart transplantations and the use of artificial hearts. Modern diagnostic methods used in cardiology centers include chest percussion (tapping) and auscultation, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. Cardiologists also provide continuing care of heart patients, doing basic heart-function studies, supervising therapy and drug therapy.

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