Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who specialises in heart and vascular diseases. This specialty is also called cardiology. Cardiology has several subspecialties.

What does a cardiologist do?

A cardiologist supports, examines and treats people with heart and vascular diseases. Conditions a cardiologist can treat include:

• Enlargement of the aorta
• Narrowing of the coronary arteries (angina pectoris)
• Inflammation of the heart muscle
• Heart valve problems
• Heart defects
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Heart muscle diseases
• Arterial disease

Cardiologists often have a subspecialty, such as paediatric cardiology or cardiac electrophysiology.

How do you see a cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical specialist whom you can only see with a referral from a GP or another medical specialist. A receptionist will ask about your symptoms when making the appointment so you can be booked with the appropriate cardiologist.

What is a first appointment with a cardiologist like?

In many hospitals, a receptionist first records an ECG. This takes a few minutes and requires the upper body to be uncovered. The cardiologist then immediately reviews the results.

The cardiologist asks about your symptoms and medical history, including any family history of disease. Heart and vascular diseases are more common in some families than others.

The cardiologist will often then arrange further tests. An ECG and consultation may be enough for a diagnosis. If not, additional tests will be requested, although these usually cannot be scheduled on the same day.

What tests does a cardiologist perform?

A cardiologist performs or arranges the following tests:

• ECG
• Blood pressure measurement
• Echocardiography (heart ultrasound)
• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Cardiac catheterisation
• Exercise test
• Blood tests
• 24-hour monitoring of blood pressure or heart rhythm

Scheduling the tests takes time. Once the results are available, a second appointment is arranged to discuss them and develop a treatment plan.

What treatment does a cardiologist provide?

A cardiologist often treats patients together with another medical specialist, usually an internal medicine specialist.
A treatment may consist of:

• Medication
• Lifestyle changes, often combined with medication

A cardiologist may also perform minor procedures such as angioplasty or catheter ablation. If major surgery is needed, the cardiologist refers the patient to a cardiothoracic surgeon. Cardiologists do not perform the surgery themselves, but support the operation. They also support heart transplants.

How can you prepare for your first visit to a cardiologist?

• Read the hospital information booklet carefully.
• Write down your symptoms and questions so the cardiologist gets a clearer picture.
• Consider your clothing. ECG electrodes are attached to the upper body, which must be uncovered.
• If further tests have already been scheduled, take them into account, particularly an exercise test. Wear sports clothing.
• Bring someone with you; two people hear more than one.