What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels. These physicians complete extensive training beyond medical school, including three years of internal medicine residency followed by a cardiology fellowship lasting three or more years. Some cardiologists pursue additional subspecialty training in areas like interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, or heart failure.

You might be referred to a cardiologist if your primary care doctor detects an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure that isn't responding to medication, elevated cholesterol with other risk factors, or symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Cardiologists also manage care for patients who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke.

What does a cardiologist do?

Cardiologists use a range of diagnostic tools to evaluate heart health. These include electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms, stress tests, cardiac CT scans, and heart catheterizations. Based on the results, they may recommend lifestyle changes, prescribe medications, or refer you to a cardiac surgeon for procedures like bypass surgery or valve repair.

Not all cardiologists perform surgery. In fact, most focus on non-surgical management of heart conditions. Interventional cardiologists, however, do perform catheter-based procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement. If open-heart surgery is needed, a cardiothoracic surgeon typically handles the operation.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for roughly one in five deaths each year. Seeing a cardiologist early, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or existing risk factors like diabetes or obesity, can help catch problems before they become emergencies. If you're unsure whether you need a cardiologist, start by talking with your primary care physician about your symptoms and risk profile. You can also search for a cardiologist near you through our directory to find a board-certified specialist in your area.