Who is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical professional who is specialized in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases, disorders, and medical conditions related to the heart. They treat diseases like atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, and coronary heart disease, etc.

What are the qualifications of a Cardiologist?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Cardiologist:

• Diploma in Cardiology
• Diplomate in Cardiovascular Disease
• Diplomate, American Board of Endovascular Medicine
• Diplomate, American Board of Cardiology
• DNB - Cardiology
• FRCS - Cardiothoracic Surgery
• CCT - Cardiology
• MCh - Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
• PhD - Cardiology
• MCh - Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
• FACC
• MNAMS - Cardiology
• DM - Cardiology

Why should an individual consult a Cardiologist?

A person who is suffering from any of the following medical conditions, diseases, disorders, and symptoms should consult a Cardiologist.

• Chest pains
• High blood pressure
• Difficulty in breathing
• Irregular heartbeats
• Coronary heart diseases
• Congenital heart disease
• Pericarditis
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Atrial fibrillation
• Atherosclerosis
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Mitral regurgitation
• Heart failure

Is Cardiologist and Cardiac Surgeon the same?

Cardiologists are the one who evaluates, diagnoses and treats the patients suffering from heart diseases through medications and lifestyle modifications. Cardiac surgeons are medical professionals who can perform surgeries to treat and cure heart diseases.

Can Cardiologists cure coronary heart diseases?

Cardiologists can diagnose and treat coronary heart disease with appropriate medications and lifestyle modifications. However, one should follow all the instructions provided by the Cardiologist in order to maintain and control the blood pressure.

What surgeries can be performed by a Cardiologist?

Cardiologists cannot perform any surgeries to treat heart diseases and disorders. However, they treat heart diseases with proper medications and lifestyle modifications. 

How often should a Cardiologist be consulted?

Individuals who are suffering from heart diseases like atherosclerosis, irregular heartbeats, myocardial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease, etc., should visit a Cardiologist once every 6 months. However, healthy individuals can consult a Cardiologist once a year to know the status of his/her heart condition.

Can Cardiologists treat atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a medical condition in which the blood vessels are either partially or completely blocked by fat or plaque. Cardiologists can diagnose and treat atherosclerosis with medications, lifestyle modifications, and changes in diet.