In order to diagnose cardiac conditions, a cardiologist may check a patient’s blood pressure or weight, and utilise tests such as an
ECG (echocardiogram), exercise test, x-rays, or blood tests.
Cardiologists often work as consultants to other doctors.
They are not surgeons, and, as such, do not carry out operations (these are handled by
cardio-thoracic surgeons, who work closely with the cardiologist).
What conditions does a cardiologist treat?
Cardiologists specialise in diagnosing and treating various types of
heart disease and other conditions affecting the heart and its connecting blood vessels. Some of the conditions a cardiologist typically treats include:
Which subspecialties are included under cardiology?
Sub-specialty interests include:
- Interventional cardiology
- Cardiac imaging
- Heart failure, including heart transplants and support devices
- Congenital heart disease in adults
- Electrophysiology
- Electrical device therapy
- Stroke medicine
- Cardio-oncology
When would my child need to see a cardiologist?
Your child may be referred to a cardiologist by your GP if they suspect they have a heart condition.
Heart murmurs may also warrant the attention of a cardiologist.
With any serious heart issue, or treatments such as cardiac catheterisation or heart surgery, the skills and expertise of a paediatric cardiologist is required.