
What department should I visit for a heart examination?
Disease description:
I have been feeling chest tightness and palpitations recently, so I decided to go to the hospital for a checkup. I would like to ask which department I should visit for a heart examination?

When undergoing cardiac examinations, one should generally register at the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (commonly referred to as the Cardiology Department) or the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery. The Cardiology Department primarily handles non-surgical treatments for heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure, using diagnostic tools like electrocardiograms (ECG) and echocardiography to assess cardiac function and formulate appropriate treatment plans. In contrast, the Cardiovascular Surgery Department focuses on surgical treatments for heart conditions, such as heart valve replacement and coronary artery bypass surgery. During medical visits, patients should choose the appropriate department based on their symptoms and initial diagnosis by a physician. If uncertain, patients may first visit the Cardiology Department, where doctors can perform an initial evaluation and determine whether a referral to the Cardiovascular Surgery Department or another specialty department is necessary. Large hospitals often have specialized units such as Heart Centers or Chest Pain Centers, which provide more comprehensive and professional diagnosis and treatment services for patients.