Current problems in cardiology

Many achievements in medicine in general, and in cardiology in particular, are the result of joint endeavors by cardiologists, surgeons, research workers and engineers. This paper deals briefly with some of the devices which have been developed as a result of this interdisciplinary cooperation. They included cardiac pace-makers, the use of computers in the analysis of electrocardiograms and echocardiograms in intensive coronary care units (ICCU) and in catheterization laboratories. Finally, the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump and other cardioassist devices will be mentioned. The joint efforts of medical and engineering workers have helped to improve diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and to improbe techniques and results of cardiac surgery. Finally, it is anticipated that through this combined work, more intensive epidemiologic studies will be made possible, new risk factors uncovered with analysis of their significance - all of which will ad to the prevention of heart diseases.