Second week was in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, I observed and assisted in procedures such as angiographies and angioplasties. This lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including fluoroscopy machines, angiography suites, and hemodynamic monitoring systems. Conditions treated here include coronary artery disease, where blockages in the coronary arteries are addressed through procedures like stent placements and balloon angioplasty. The lab also handles diagnostic procedures to identify blockages and other structural heart issues.Â
My visit and observation to the Heart Failure Unit was really insightful. The unit focuses on managing various stages of heart failure, including acute decompensated and chronic heart failure, aiming to optimize medical therapy, educate patients on lifestyle changes, and prepare them for advanced therapies like ventricular assist devices or heart transplants. Common complications managed include fluid overload, renal dysfunction, and refractory symptoms, using equipment like infusion pumps for inotropic agents and non-invasive ventilation devices.
 The last round was in the Outpatient Cardiology Clinics, which manage a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, offering routine check-ups, diagnostic evaluations, and follow-up care for chronic conditions such as hypertension, stable angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias, as well as monitoring post-surgical recovery for procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve replacements. Diagnostic tools used in these clinics include electrocardiograms (ECG), Holter monitors, and echocardiography machines. As I conclude my cardiology rotation at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), I reflect on the extensive knowledge and skills I have acquired during this period. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Samshol Sukhari, I had the privilege to engage in a variety of clinical experiences that have profoundly shaped my understanding of cardiovascular medicine.
