Cardiology is the medical specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the heart and the body’s network of blood vessels (the cardiovascular system). Cardiologists are physicians who manage a wide range of issues, from congenital heart defects and coronary artery disease to heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension (high blood pressure). The field involves both non-invasive techniques, such as echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) and stress tests, and invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization and angioplasty. The ultimate goal of cardiology is to prevent heart disease, manage existing conditions, and improve patients’ overall cardiovascular health and longevity.