Cardiology in Jordan
Cardiovascular disease is one of the most important health conditions affecting adults worldwide. Early evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular complications.
Dr. Ghassan Shawabkeh is a Consultant Cardiologist and Advanced Interventional Cardiologist in Jordan, providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Amman.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when cholesterol and fatty deposits build up inside the coronary arteries, causing narrowing and reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. This may result in chest pain, shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, or, in some cases, a heart attack.
Cardiovascular conditions that may require cardiology evaluation include:
• Coronary artery disease and coronary artery stenosis
• Chest pain and suspected angina
• Heart attack and acute coronary syndromes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors
• Heart failure
• Heart rhythm disorders and palpitations
• Heart valve disease
• Other conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels
Diagnosis of Heart Disease
The appropriate diagnostic tests depend on the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Cardiac evaluation may include:
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiography
• Exercise stress testing
• 24-hour Holter monitoring
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
• CT coronary angiography when clinically appropriate
• Diagnostic cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography when indicated
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography may be recommended when there is a clinical suspicion of significant coronary artery disease or when other cardiac investigations indicate the need for further evaluation.
When appropriate for the patient's condition, coronary angiography and coronary intervention can be performed through the radial artery in the wrist (transradial access).
Coronary angioplasty and stent placement may be performed during the same procedure when a significant coronary artery narrowing is identified and intervention is clinically appropriate.
Advanced Interventional Cardiology
Some patients have complex coronary artery disease requiring advanced interventional techniques. These may include chronic total occlusions (CTO), heavily calcified coronary lesions, left main coronary artery disease, bifurcation and trifurcation lesions, and multivessel coronary disease.
Dr. Ghassan Shawabkeh has extensive experience in diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization, transradial (wrist) cardiac catheterization, coronary angioplasty and stent placement, and complex coronary interventions.
Treatment of Heart Disease
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the cardiovascular condition and may include lifestyle modification, medical therapy, further diagnostic evaluation, or an interventional procedure when indicated.
For patients with coronary artery disease, treatment is individualized according to symptoms, the extent of coronary disease, cardiovascular risk factors, and the results of the relevant investigations.
The goal of cardiology care is to establish an accurate diagnosis, control cardiovascular risk factors, relieve symptoms when possible, and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.
When to See a Cardiologist
Patients should seek cardiology evaluation when they experience persistent or unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, dizziness, or other symptoms that may indicate cardiovascular disease.
Patients with cardiovascular risk factors or abnormal ECG, stress test, echocardiography, or coronary imaging may also benefit from specialist assessment.
Dr. Ghassan Shawabkeh provides comprehensive cardiology care and advanced interventional cardiology services at his private clinic in Amman, Jordan.