A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in caring for the heart and blood vessels – our cardiovascular system. The goal of cardiology is to prevent heart disease and related conditions if possible, and to treat them effectively when they occur. Cardiologists are extensively educated, completing four years of medical school, a residency in general medicine, and additional years of training in their specialty. Prior to practicing, they are licensed and board certified by a professional governing body. They maintain this certification throughout their career with supplemental training and testing.

What Does a Cardiologist Do?

Cardiologists diagnose and treat a wide range of cardiovascular symptoms and conditions, including heart attacks, heart failures, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries, blood clots, heart valve issues, arrhythmias, chest pain, myocarditis, pericarditis, and peripheral artery diseases. They accomplish this through doctor-patient interaction, conducting physical exams, ordering tests, prescribing medications, and arranging for specialized medical care. Cardiologists also recommend lifestyle changes as a form of preventive medicine, for example, heart-healthy diets and exercise. Cardiologists are found in both private-office and hospital settings. Many are also involved in university-based research programs.

What Types of Cardiologists Are There?

Cardiologists are trained in one or more specialties:

• Adult cardiology: Care of adults with heart or cardiovascular conditions.
• Cardiac imaging: The use of imaging technology with the heart, including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Cardiogeriatrics: Heart care for elderly patients.
• Cardiovascular surgery: Invasive procedures for heart and chest care.
• Congenital cardiology: Care of inherited heart conditions that are present at birth or that appear early in childhood.
• Cardiac electrophysiology: Treatment of irregularities in the heart’s electrical system.
• Heart-failure cardiology: Care for patients experiencing heart failure from heart attacks, cancer, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other related causes.
• Interventional cardiology: The non-surgical treatment of the heart or blood-vessel conditions.

When Should You See a Cardiologist?

You should see a cardiologist whenever you experience the symptoms commonly associated with heart or cardiovascular disease:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Labored breathing
• Palpitations (irregular or pounding heartbeats)

You may also want to see a cardiologist if you have a family history of heart disease, especially on reaching middle age.

What Can I Expect at My Visit to the Cardiologist?

A visit to a cardiologist will begin like any other medical visit. He or she will conduct a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and record your family history. As part of the exam, he or she will document your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose (blood sugar) levels. The cardiologist will also ask you lifestyle questions, for example, whether you smoke, what your diet is like, and how much alcohol you consume.

Your cardiologist may diagnose your condition based on this information, or he or she may order further tests, such as an echocardiogram, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) scan. On confirming a diagnosis, your cardiologist can prescribe medications that are appropriate for your condition and arrange for any additional specialist care, for example, cardiovascular surgery.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have a family medical history that concerns you, the Baptist Health cardiovascular team is just a heartbeat away.