If you are searching for the answer to “what is a heart doctor called?”, the most common answer is a cardiologist. A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent many cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, high blood pressure, valve problems, and other conditions affecting the cardiovascular system.
However, “heart doctor” is a general term. Not every doctor who treats a heart problem is a cardiologist. Some heart conditions require an interventional cardiologist, electrophysiologist, pediatric cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, or another cardiovascular specialist.
Understanding the difference can make it easier to know which type of medical professional you may need.
This guide explains what a heart doctor is called, what cardiologists do, the conditions they treat, the different types of heart specialists, what happens during a cardiology appointment, and how to choose the right doctor in the United States.
What Is a Heart Doctor Called?
A heart doctor is most commonly called a cardiologist.
A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. Cardiology covers the structure and function of the heart, prevention of cardiovascular disease, diagnosis of heart problems, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
For example, a person may see a cardiologist for:
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart failure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart valve disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Previous heart attack
- Congenital heart disease
- Abnormal results from a heart test
The American Heart Association describes cardiologists as doctors who specialize in caring for the heart and blood vessels.
The exact specialist needed depends on the person’s age, symptoms, diagnosis, and type of cardiovascular problem.
It is also important to understand that a cardiologist is different from a cardiac or cardiothoracic surgeon. Cardiologists generally provide medical and catheter-based cardiovascular care, while cardiac surgeons perform operations on the heart and nearby structures.
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What Does a Cardiologist Do?
A cardiologist evaluates a patient’s cardiovascular health and determines whether a heart or blood-vessel problem is present.
During care, a cardiologist may review medical history, ask about symptoms, perform a physical examination, order diagnostic tests, interpret test results, recommend treatment, and monitor the patient’s condition over time.
Common responsibilities include:
- Evaluating chest pain
- Checking abnormal heart rhythms
- Diagnosing cardiovascular disease
- Managing high blood pressure
- Treating heart failure
- Evaluating heart valve problems
- Managing cholesterol-related cardiovascular risk
- Monitoring patients after a heart attack
- Ordering and interpreting cardiac tests
- Recommending lifestyle changes
- Prescribing appropriate medications
- Referring patients to other specialists when necessary
Cardiologists do not simply treat diseases after they develop. Cardiovascular care can also involve identifying risk factors early and helping patients reduce their future risk.
For example, a patient with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a strong family history of cardiovascular disease may need cardiovascular risk assessment even when they do not have a known heart condition.
Cardiologists often work as part of a larger healthcare team. That team can include primary care doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician associates, pharmacists, dietitians, rehabilitation professionals, and surgeons.
What Conditions Does a Heart Doctor Treat?
A cardiologist can diagnose and manage a wide range of heart and blood-vessel conditions.
Some of the most common include:
Also Read:What Does a Cardiovascular Doctor Do? Complete Guide to Cardiology Care
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Plaque buildup can reduce blood flow and contribute to chest discomfort or a heart attack.
Heart failure
Heart failure means the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as the body needs. Cardiologists help diagnose the condition and create treatment plans designed to manage symptoms and improve long-term health.
Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Some people have heartbeats that are too fast, too slow, or irregular.
A common example is atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. AFib can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
Heart valve disease
Heart valves control the direction of blood flow through the heart. Valve disease can cause valves to become too narrow or fail to close properly.
A cardiologist may monitor valve disease and determine whether medication, monitoring, a catheter-based procedure, or surgery may be appropriate.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major cardiovascular risk factor. A cardiologist may become involved when blood pressure is difficult to control or when hypertension is associated with cardiovascular complications.
High cholesterol
High levels of certain types of cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. Cardiologists may help evaluate a person’s overall cardiovascular risk and determine appropriate treatment.
Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease refers to heart problems that are present at birth. Pediatric and adult congenital cardiologists may care for people with these conditions depending on their age and medical needs.
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. Heart attacks require emergency medical attention.
Cardiologists may provide care during and after a heart attack, including evaluation, treatment, medications, follow-up, and prevention of future cardiovascular events.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies cardiologists as physicians who diagnose and treat diseases or conditions involving the heart and blood vessels, including valve problems, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
What Is the Difference Between a Cardiologist and a Heart Surgeon?
A cardiologist and a heart surgeon are both cardiovascular specialists, but their roles are different.
A cardiologist generally diagnoses and treats heart and blood-vessel conditions using medical treatment, monitoring, diagnostic testing, and in some cases catheter-based procedures.
A heart surgeon, often called a cardiac surgeon or cardiothoracic surgeon, performs operations involving the heart, chest, and related structures.
For example, an interventional cardiologist may perform a catheter-based procedure to open a narrowed coronary artery. A cardiac surgeon may perform coronary artery bypass surgery when surgery is appropriate.
The two specialties frequently work together.
A patient with serious heart disease might first see a cardiologist. If surgery is necessary, the cardiologist may work with a cardiac surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Heart valve care provides another example. The American Heart Association notes that a general cardiologist may diagnose and monitor valve disease, while an interventional cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon may perform certain valve procedures depending on the situation.
Therefore, the terms “heart doctor” and “heart surgeon” should not be treated as interchangeable.
What Are the Different Types of Cardiologists?
Cardiology is a broad medical specialty with several areas of expertise.
General cardiologist
A general cardiologist provides broad cardiovascular care. They may diagnose heart disease, evaluate symptoms, order tests, manage medications, and monitor chronic cardiovascular conditions.
Interventional cardiologist
An interventional cardiologist performs certain minimally invasive procedures using catheters. These procedures may be used to diagnose or treat problems involving the coronary arteries and other cardiovascular structures.
Procedures can include certain types of angioplasty and stent placement.
A stent, for example, is a small tube used to help keep a narrowed artery open and improve blood flow.
Electrophysiologist
A cardiac electrophysiologist is a cardiologist who specializes in the heart’s electrical system and abnormal heart rhythms.
Patients with certain arrhythmias may be referred to an electrophysiologist.
These specialists may evaluate conditions such as atrial fibrillation and other rhythm disorders and may perform specialized procedures when appropriate.
Heart failure specialist
Some cardiologists focus on heart failure and advanced cardiovascular conditions.
These specialists may care for patients with complex heart failure and coordinate treatment with other members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Preventive cardiologist
Preventive cardiology focuses heavily on reducing cardiovascular risk before serious disease develops or progresses.
This can involve assessing factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, physical activity, diet, weight, and family history.
Pediatric cardiologist
A pediatric cardiologist specializes in heart conditions affecting babies, children, teenagers, and sometimes young adults.
Pediatric cardiology can involve congenital heart defects as well as other cardiovascular conditions affecting children.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that cardiologists may work with adults or specialize in pediatric cardiology.
When Should You See a Cardiologist?
Not everyone needs to see a cardiologist regularly.
A primary care doctor may initially evaluate common cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms. If there is a concern about a heart or blood-vessel problem, the primary care doctor may recommend seeing a cardiologist.
Reasons for a cardiology referral can include:
- Persistent or unexplained chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- An irregular heartbeat
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Swelling in the legs
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Abnormal heart test results
- A known heart condition
- Previous heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Significant cardiovascular risk factors
- A strong family history of certain heart conditions
The American Heart Association notes that people with diabetes may have a higher risk of heart disease and may be referred to a cardiologist when appropriate.
However, symptoms do not always indicate heart disease. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness can have many causes.
A healthcare professional can help determine whether cardiovascular evaluation is appropriate.
What Symptoms Can Lead to a Heart Doctor Visit?
Several symptoms may cause a person to seek cardiovascular care.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Racing or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Unusual fatigue
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Unexplained weakness
The meaning of a symptom depends on the person and the circumstances.
Also Read:What Do Cardiologists Treat? A Complete Guide to Heart and Cardiovascular Care
For example, occasional awareness of a heartbeat may have a different cause from persistent palpitations accompanied by fainting. Likewise, mild shortness of breath during strenuous activity is different from sudden severe breathing difficulty.
Emergency symptoms should not wait for a routine cardiology appointment.
If someone has symptoms that could represent a heart attack, stroke, or another medical emergency, they should seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting to see a cardiologist.
What Happens During a Cardiology Appointment?
A first cardiology appointment usually begins with a discussion of the patient’s medical history and current concerns.
The cardiologist may ask about:
- Current symptoms
- When symptoms began
- Medical conditions
- Previous heart problems
- Medications
- Family history
- Smoking history
- Physical activity
- Diet
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Previous medical tests
The doctor may also perform a physical examination.
Depending on the situation, the cardiologist may order additional tests.
A cardiology appointment does not automatically mean that a patient will need an invasive procedure. Many appointments involve evaluation, testing, monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle guidance.
Patients can make an appointment more useful by bringing a current medication list, relevant medical records, previous test results when available, and a written list of questions.
It can also help to describe symptoms clearly. Instead of simply saying “my heart feels strange,” a patient can explain what the sensation feels like, how long it lasts, what triggers it, and whether it happens with exercise or at rest.
What Tests Does a Cardiologist Perform?
A cardiologist may use different tests depending on the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
Common cardiovascular tests include:
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram, commonly called an ECG or EKG, records the heart’s electrical activity.
It can help identify certain abnormal rhythms and other changes that may require further evaluation.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart.
It can help doctors evaluate heart structure, heart function, and heart valves.
The American Heart Association explains that cardiac sonographers perform echocardiograms and that these tests can show how heart valves are working.
Stress testing
A stress test evaluates how the heart responds to physical activity or another form of controlled stress.
Depending on the situation, the test may involve exercise or medication.
Heart monitoring
Some rhythm problems do not happen during a short office visit. A cardiologist may therefore recommend longer-term heart rhythm monitoring.
This can help identify intermittent abnormal rhythms.
Blood tests
Blood tests may provide information about cholesterol, blood sugar, and other factors relevant to cardiovascular health.
Cardiac imaging
In selected cases, advanced imaging may provide additional information about the heart or blood vessels.
The appropriate test depends on the clinical question. More testing is not always better; the goal is to choose tests that can provide useful information for the patient’s specific situation.
How Does a Cardiologist Treat Heart Problems?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of the condition, symptoms, age, other medical conditions, and individual risk factors.
Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Prescription medications
- Blood pressure management
- Cholesterol management
- Diabetes risk management
- Heart rhythm treatment
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Catheter-based procedures
- Referral to a cardiac surgeon
- Long-term monitoring
For example, a patient with cardiovascular risk factors may receive advice about physical activity, nutrition, smoking cessation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other modifiable risks.
A patient with an abnormal heart rhythm may need medication, monitoring, or specialized treatment.
A person with significant coronary artery disease may require a catheter-based procedure or surgery depending on the anatomy and clinical situation.
Importantly, treatment is individualized. Two people with the same broad diagnosis may receive different treatment plans.
What Is the Difference Between a Primary Care Doctor and a Cardiologist?
A primary care doctor and a cardiologist can both play important roles in cardiovascular health.
Primary care doctors provide broad healthcare and often manage common conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other cardiovascular risk factors.
A cardiologist has specialized training in cardiovascular medicine.
Primary care doctors may identify a potential heart problem and refer the patient to a cardiologist when specialized evaluation is needed.
The relationship is usually collaborative rather than competitive.
For example, a patient may see a primary care doctor for routine care, visit a cardiologist for specialized heart evaluation, and then continue receiving regular blood pressure or cholesterol care through primary care.
Complex cardiovascular conditions may involve several specialists.
The American Heart Association describes heart care as a team effort involving cardiologists, other physicians, nurses, physician associates, pharmacists, dietitians, therapists, social workers, and other professionals depending on the patient’s needs.
How Can You Choose the Right Heart Doctor?
Choosing a cardiologist can feel difficult, especially after receiving a new diagnosis.
Several factors may help.
First, consider the reason for the visit.
A general cardiologist may be appropriate for broad cardiovascular evaluation. Someone with a complex rhythm problem may need an electrophysiologist. A child with a heart condition generally needs a pediatric cardiologist.
Second, consider credentials and experience.
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Patients can review the physician’s medical training, specialty, board certification, hospital affiliations, and professional background.
Third, consider communication.
A good heart doctor should explain the diagnosis, testing options, treatment choices, risks, benefits, and follow-up plan in language the patient can understand.
Fourth, consider practical issues such as insurance coverage, location, appointment availability, and whether the doctor is affiliated with a hospital that can provide the services you may need.
Patients should not be afraid to ask questions.
Useful questions include:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Do I need additional testing?
- What does this test measure?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the benefits and risks of each option?
- Do I need to see a cardiovascular subspecialist?
- How often should I return?
- What symptoms should cause me to seek urgent care?
Frequently Asked Questions About What a Heart Doctor Is Called
Is a heart doctor the same as a cardiologist?
Usually, yes. “Heart doctor” is a common, informal term for a cardiologist. A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the heart and blood vessels. However, some people may use “heart doctor” more broadly to describe other cardiovascular specialists, including cardiac surgeons.
What doctor should I see for heart palpitations?
A primary care doctor may initially evaluate heart palpitations. Depending on the symptoms and findings, you may be referred to a cardiologist. If the problem involves a complex heart rhythm, an electrophysiologist may be involved.
Can a cardiologist perform heart surgery?
Most cardiologists do not perform open-heart surgery. Cardiac and cardiothoracic surgeons are the specialists who perform heart surgery. Some cardiologists, particularly interventional cardiologists, perform catheter-based procedures that do not involve traditional open-heart surgery.
Do I need a cardiologist if I have high blood pressure?
Not necessarily. Many people with high blood pressure can be successfully managed by a primary care doctor. A cardiologist may become appropriate when blood pressure is difficult to control, complications develop, or there are other concerns about cardiovascular health.
Can a cardiologist treat children?
Yes, but children usually need a pediatric cardiologist rather than an adult cardiologist. Pediatric cardiologists specialize in cardiovascular conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, including many congenital heart conditions.
Conclusion
A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists diagnose and manage conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart valve disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems.
However, cardiology is a broad field. Depending on the patient’s condition, care may involve a general cardiologist, interventional cardiologist, electrophysiologist, heart failure specialist, pediatric cardiologist, or another cardiovascular professional.
A cardiologist also does more than treat existing heart disease. Cardiovascular care can include identifying risk factors, interpreting diagnostic tests, managing long-term conditions, and helping patients reduce their risk of future complications.
If you are concerned about your heart health, the best starting point may be your primary care doctor or an appropriate cardiologist, depending on your symptoms and medical history. For severe or sudden symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Understanding the different types of heart doctors can make the healthcare system easier to navigate and help you ask better questions about your cardiovascular health.
