The Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a healthcare provider who has had extra training to treat problems of the heart and blood vessels. A cardiologist has at least 10 years of medical training. It includes:

• 4 years of medical school

• 3 years of training in internal medicine

• 3 or more years in other training in cardiology and its related fields

A cardiologist must then pass a test from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in cardiology. They are then a board-certified cardiologist.

When would I see a cardiologist?

This kind of doctor is not a primary healthcare provider. Cardiologists work only with people who need special heart care, or have had heart conditions in the past. Other healthcare providers may consult with them about heart disease or other conditions. You may see a cardiologist if you have symptoms of heart or blood vessel problems. These may include:

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Chest pain

• Fluttering feelings in your chest

What does a cardiologist do?

A cardiologist diagnoses and treats problems of the heart and blood vessels. These include:

• Heart attack

• Heart failure

• Valve problems

• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)

• High blood pressure

Cardiologists work in hospitals and in private practices. They may:

• Give you a physical exam

• Order tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, exercise stress test, or echocardiogram

• Interpret the results of tests to diagnose a health condition you may have

• Prescribe treatment, such as medicine

• Advise lifestyle changes, such as changes in your diet, weight, stress, and physical activity

• Counsel you on risks and prevention

• Do some procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, or implantation of a cardiac electronic device such as a pacemaker

• Refer you to a cardiac surgeon, interventional cardiologist, or a cardiac electrophysiologist if needed

Some cardiologists also teach in universities and do research. They may help to create new treatments for heart problems.

Special types of cardiologist

A cardiologist will often focus their care on 1 type of patient. An adult cardiologist sees only adults. A pediatric cardiologist sees only babies, children, or teens. They are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

A cardiologist may get more training in a special area of heart care. ABIM also certifies doctors in cardiovascular disease. This area focuses on care for people with problems of the heart and blood vessels. These include:

• Heart attack

• Heart valve disease

• High blood pressure

• Some kinds of arrhythmia

These doctors can also be certified in what is called a subspecialty. These include:

• Advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. This focuses on care for people who have heart failure. They may need a heart transplant.

• Clinical cardiac electrophysiology. This focuses on testing and treating the heart for rhythm problems.

• Interventional cardiology. This focuses on using thin tubes (catheters) in blood vessels. It's done to find and treat problems in the vessels and the heart.