A cardiologist focuses on the health of the entire circulatory system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. Their main job is to diagnose, treat, and help prevent heart-related diseases and conditions.
This includes:
- angina (chest pain)
- aneurysm
- arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- artery disease
- blood clots
- cardiac arrest
- heart attack
- heart failure
- heart transplant care
- heart valve disease
- high cholesterol
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- stroke
They perform a variety of tests to determine how well your heart is functioning, such as:
- electrocardiogram (EKG)
- echocardiogram (echo or heart ultrasound)
- stress test
- transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
- cardiac computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)
- cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- cardiac catheterization
Depending on the results, a cardiologist may recommend lifestyle modifications to prevent or reduce your risk of heart-related complications. In some cases, prescription medication, heart procedures, or surgery may be necessary.
If you don’t already have a cardiologist, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to find a professional near you.