A collective of medical professionals focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. This entity typically encompasses cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and other specialists working in collaboration. An example would be a patient experiencing chest pain being referred to such a group for comprehensive evaluation and management.
The significance of these specialized practices lies in their ability to provide integrated care, combining expertise across various disciplines. This comprehensive approach can lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced redundancy in testing, and enhanced coordination of treatment plans. Historically, the development of these practices reflects the increasing complexity of cardiovascular medicine and the need for specialized skill sets.