What Does a Cardiologist Do?

Answer:
A cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the heart

and cardiovascular system. Cardiologists complete medical school and a residency, then a cardiology fellowship, which typically lasts for three years.

After this time, a cardiologist can train in a subspecialty, such as electrophysiology, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, or interventional cardiology. Cardiologists usually see patients who are referred by other physicians who are concerned about the patient's heart or cardiovascular system.

Cardiologists diagnose heart conditions and treat them. Many heart conditions are extremely serious and even life-threatening and need to be treated as soon as possible. Treatments can range from lifestyle changes and medication, to surgery. If surgery is recommended, a cardiologist continues to care for the patient, providing follow-up care after the surgery for as long as is needed.