Who is a cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a doctor with special training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing the diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists obtain extensive education and training. This includes four years of medical school and three years of training in general internal medicine. After the training in general internal medicine, they spend three or more years in specialized training. Following 10 or more years of education and training, a cardiologist must pass a rigorous two-day exam given by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The exam tests their knowledge, judgment, and the ability to provide superior care.
What does a cardiologist do?
A cardiologist specializes in finding, preventing and treating the diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular diseases). The diseases are:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Arrhythmias (abnormalities of heart rhythm)
- Heart valve problems
- Infections of the heart
A cardiologist may see their patients in their office or a hospital. They may:
- Perform a physical examination
- Order tests like blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise stress test or imaging studies of the heart
- Understand and interpret test results to diagnose a medical condition a patient may have
- Prescribe treatment for a patient’s health conditions
- Advise lifestyle changes, such as modifications in diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress and regular physical activity
- Provide counseling to prevent heart diseases
- Perform some procedures like cardiac catheterization or implant a pacemaker
- Refer you to a heart surgeon or an interventional cardiologist when necessary
Some cardiologists may also teach at universities and do research that may help create new treatments and diagnostic approaches for heart problems.
When should you go to a cardiologist?
Since cardiologists are specialist doctors, you may not visit them for consultations as often as you visit a primary healthcare provider. You may visit a cardiologist in the following situations:
- Your primary care physician refers you to a cardiologist
- Family history of cardiovascular diseases (health conditions related to the heart and blood vessels)
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- History of high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia)
- Inborn heart diseases
- Smoking
- Palpitations
- Low blood pressure
- Starting a new exercise or diet plan
At what age should you start seeing a cardiologist?
There is no definitive age recommended to start seeing a cardiologist. It is advised to have an annual physical examination from a primary care physician when you get into middle age. They may refer you to a cardiologist if necessary. You may need to see a cardiologist early if you have:
- Congenital (inborn) diseases of the heart
- Been referred by your primary care physician
- Unhealthy lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and stress factors
- Chronic health conditions
- Symptoms of cardiovascular disease like chest/jaw/shoulder pain, palpitations, excessive sweating, dizziness and uneasiness.
The only tests related to the heart that most people, who are not experiencing symptoms, need are measurement of blood cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
QUESTION
In the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top What Does a Cardiologist Do Related Articles
Angina: Signs, Symptoms, and What It Feels Like
Angina is chest pain due to inadequate blood supply to the heart. Angina symptoms may include chest tightness, burning, squeezing, and aching. Coronary artery disease is the main cause of angina but there are other causes. Angina is diagnosed by taking the patient's medical history and performing tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood test, stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac CT scan, and heart catheterization. Treatment of angina usually includes lifestyle modification, medication, and sometimes, surgery. The risk of angina can be reduced by following a heart healthy lifestyle.
How Is Coronary Heart Disease Diagosed?
Coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease (CAD) screening tests can be used to potentially prevent a heart attack or cardiac event in a person without heart disease symptoms, and can assist in diagnosing heart disease in individuals with heart disease symptoms. Coronary heart disease tests can include electrocardiogram (ECC, EKG), exercise stress test, radionuclide stress test, stress echocardiography, pharmacologic stress test, CT coronary angiogram, and coronary angiogram.
Heart CT Scan
EBCT (also referred to as a calcium-score screening heart scan). This test is used to detect calcium deposits found in atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries of heart disease patients. The more coronary calcium means more coronary atherosclerosis, which can raise the risk of future cardiovascular problems.
Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack
Heart disease prevention includes controlling risk factors like diet, exercise, and stress. Heart disease symptoms in women may differ from men. Use a heart disease risk calculator to determine your heart attack risk.
Heart Disease Quiz
Take our Heart Disease Quiz to get answers and facts about high cholesterol, atherosclerosis prevention, and the causes, symptoms, treatments, testing, and procedures for medically broken hearts.
Heartburn Foods Slides
Learn the symptoms of heartburn and which foods cause heartburn or GERD. Discover home remedies and which foods may provide treatment for heartburn relief.
What Are The Four Heart Sounds?
Heart sounds are generated by blood flowing in and out of the heart’s chambers through the valves as they open and close. Listening to the heart sounds through a stethoscope (auscultation) is one of the first steps a physician takes in evaluating a patient’s medical condition. Heart sounds provide the doctor valuable information about heart function. Auscultation is used to detect abnormal heart sounds and decide on further course of action.
What Causes Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease that progresses with time if left untreated. Heart failure can occur due to diseases of the heart, the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to the heart, or sometimes from factors outside the heart (extracardiac causes). With proper management, people who have congestive heart failure can lead nearly normal lives, depending on the severity of the condition.
What Is a Widowmaker Heart Attack?
A Widowmaker is a type of heart attack, which is deadlier than most others. A widowmaker heart attack occurs when the left ascending artery (LAD) that supplies blood to the front part of the heart (largest part) is clogged-up because of clots in the arterial wall. This causes the death of heart muscle in this area, medically termed myocardial infarction. Because the widowmaker damages a major portion of the heart, timely management is necessary to prevent fatalities.