What is a Cardiologist?

About Cardiologists

Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, consisting of the heart and blood vessels. These specialists practice the prevention and health care for patients with heart-related illness and cardiovascular disease as well as cardiac emergencies.

Cardiologists are referred to by family doctors / general practitioners to provide specialized care and further diagnosis of heart disease in patients. They carefully examine the patient’s medical history and focus on blood pressure, weight, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Cardiologists can refer patients to a cardiovascular surgeon or a Cardiothoracic Surgeon if surgery is needed on the heart, blood vessels, and lungs.

A Cardiologist treats many conditions affecting the heart and cardiovascular system including arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat, either too fast or too slow,) myocardial infarction (heart attacks,) heart failure, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease. They also are vital in helping to inform decisions regarding procedures such as cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty, and open heart surgery.

Tests that Cardiologists administer and assess include checking blood pressure, echocardiogram (ECG,) X-ray, cardiac stress tests, and blood tests. They are also trained in the implementation of devices that help to maintain the heart's natural rhythm such as pacemakers and defibrillators.

Cardiologists can further specialize in areas of medicine including pediatric cardiology, echocardiography, or electrophysiology.

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland and Labrador

New Brunswick