Cardiologists

What is cardiology?

Cardiology is a branch of medicine which studies, diagnoses, and treats conditions of the heart and parts of the circulatory system. Doctors specialising in cardiology are called cardiologists. Cardiologists undergo extensive training, and are highly skilled physicians.

In order to diagnose cardiac conditions, a cardiologist may check a patient’s blood pressure or weight, and utilise tests such as an ECG (echocardiogram), exercise test, x-rays, or blood tests.

Cardiologists often work as consultants to other doctors. They are not surgeons, and, as such, do not carry out operations (these are handled by cardio-thoracic surgeons, who work closely with the cardiologist).

What conditions does a cardiologist treat?

Cardiologists specialise in diagnosing and treating various types of heart disease and other conditions affecting the heart and its connecting blood vessels. Some of the conditions a cardiologist typically treats include:

Arrhythmias
Congenital heart disease
Angina
Cardiomyopathy
Heart failure
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Coronary artery thrombosis
Atherosclerosis
Oedema (build-up of fluid) in or around the heart
Heart murmurs

Which subspecialties are included under cardiology?

The current trend in cardiology is moving towards a team-based approach, with each cardiologist having a subspecialty, rather than one general cardiologist for all aspects of the field. Sub-specialty interests include:

Interventional cardiology
Cardiac imaging
Heart failure, including heart transplants and support devices
Congenital heart disease in adults
Electrophysiology
Electrical device therapy
Stroke medicine
Cardio-oncology

When should you see a cardiologist?

You may be referred to a cardiologist by your GP if they suspect you have a heart condition. You should always consult a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Heart murmurs may also warrant the attention of a cardiologist.
A cardiologist will be involved in your treatment if you suffer a heart attack or heart failure. With any serious heart issue, or treatments such as cardiac catheterisation or heart surgery, the skills and expertise of a cardiologist is required.

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What is cardiology?

What conditions does a cardiologist treat?

Which subspecialties are included under cardiology?

When should you see a cardiologist?