A cardiologist is a doctor with special training and skill in finding, treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Whether the cardiologist sees you in the office or in the hospital, he or she will review your medical history and perform a physical examination which may include checking your blood pressure, weight, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Some problems may be diagnosed by your symptoms and the doctor’s findings when you are examined. You may need additional tests such as an ECG, x-ray, or blood test. Other problems will require more specialized testing.

Your cardiologist may recommend lifestyle changes or medicine. Each patient’s case is unique.

If your general medical doctor feels that you might have a significant heart or related condition, he or she will often call on a cardiologist for help. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pains, or dizzy spells often require special testing. Sometimes heart murmurs or ECG changes need the evaluation of a cardiologist. Cardiologists help victims of heart disease return to a full and useful life and also counsel patients about the risks and prevention of heart disease. Most importantly, cardiologists are involved in the treatment of heart attacks, heart failure, and serious heart rhythm disturbances. Their skills and training are required whenever decisions are made about procedures such as cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty, or heart surgery.

No. Many cardiologists are specially trained in this technique, but others specialize in office diagnosis, the performance and interpretation of echocardiograms, ECGs, and exercise tests.

Still others have special skill in cholesterol management or cardiac rehabilitation and fitness.

All cardiologists know how and when these tests are needed and how to manage cardiac emergencies.

Examples include:

• Echocardiogram – a soundwave picture to look at the structure and function of the heart.
• Ambulatory ECG – a recording during activity to look for abnormal heart rhythms.
• Exercise test – a study to measure your heart’s performance and limitations.
• Cardiac Catheterization – a test in which a small tube is placed in or near the heart to take pictures, look at how the heart is working, check the electrical system, or help relieve blockage.