You live a very comfortable life. You party until the wee hours of the morning. You smoke like there is no tomorrow. You guzzle liquor like water. You never exercise or exert any kind of effort, because you do not like the feel of sweat rolling down your forehead. And after years of this lifestyle, time seems to have taken its toll.

At the present time, you are experiencing some chest pains, coupled with shortness of breath each time you try to walk some distance. You never thought that this would happen to you, even with the kind of lifestyle you lead. But now you realize that you are not as omnipotent and mighty as you thought you were.

One of your friends refers you to a doctor. The doctor is not just any kind of doctor. Your friend has referred you to a doctor who specializes in heart problems - a cardiologist.

Generally, cardiology is a branch of medicine. And just like any other branch, cardiology has a specific function and focus. It has anything and everything to do with the heart and its specific functions. Cardiology covers disorders of the heart, disorders of the blood vessels, diagnosis and cures for diseases and malfunctions of this vital organ.

For cardiologists to find out what condition your heart is in, they perform a complete physical check up and examination first. The results provide data regarding your heart's condition. Along with that, you will be asked about your health history and your family's as well. You will also be asked about your lifestyle and habits. This may seem totally unrelated to your condition, however these pieces of information will give the cardiologist answers regarding your heart condition.

Cardiology also entails several examinations, tests and procedures for patients complaining about possible heart problems. These could include an ultrasound of your heart, a cardiac stress test, an electrocardiogram (or also known as ECG and EKG) and the use of a blood pressure cuff among many others.