Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who specialises in cardiovascular diseases. This speciality is also called cardiology. Cardiology has several subspecialities.

What does a cardiologist do?

A cardiologist supports, examines and treats people with cardiovascular diseases. Conditions a cardiologist can treat include:

• Enlargement of the aorta
• Narrowing of the coronary arteries (angina pectoris)
• Inflammation of the heart muscle
• Heart valve problems
• Heart defects
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Heart muscle diseases
• Arterial disease

Cardiologists often have a subspecialism in a particular field, such as paediatric cardiology or cardiac electrophysiology.

How do you see a cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical specialist, and you can only see one with a referral. This referral can come from a GP or another medical specialist. An assistant will ask about your complaints when making an appointment, to ensure that you are booked in with the right cardiologist.

What is a first appointment with a cardiologist like?

In many hospitals, an assistant will first perform a heart tracing, an ECG (electrocardiogram). This takes a few minutes. You will need to uncover your upper body for this. The cardiologist then immediately examines the results.

After the ECG, the cardiologist will ask questions about your complaints and medical history. They will also ask about any hereditary conditions, as cardiovascular diseases are more common in some families than others.

The cardiologist will then often carry out further tests. An ECG and consultation are sometimes sufficient for a diagnosis. If not, the cardiologist will request additional tests. These tests usually cannot be scheduled on the same day.

What tests does a cardiologist perform?

A cardiologist performs or arranges the following tests:

• ECG
• Blood pressure measurement
• Echocardiography (ultrasound scan of the heart)
• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Cardiac catheterisation
• Exercise test
• Blood tests
• 24-hour monitoring to measure blood pressure or heart rhythm

Scheduling the tests takes time. Once the results are available, a second appointment with the cardiologist is arranged. The results are discussed and a treatment plan is drawn up.

What treatment does a cardiologist provide?

A cardiologist often provides treatment together with another medical specialist. An internal medicine specialist is usually also involved.
A treatment may consist of:

• Medication
• Lifestyle changes (often combined with medication)

A cardiologist can also perform minor procedures, such as angioplasty or catheter ablation. If major surgery is needed, the cardiologist will refer you to a cardiothoracic surgeon. A cardiologist does not perform surgery themselves, but supports and assists during surgery performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon. A cardiologist also supports heart transplants.

How can you prepare for your first visit to a cardiologist?

• Read the hospital leaflet carefully.
• Write down your complaints and questions. This will give the cardiologist a clearer picture.
• Consider your clothing. ECG electrodes are attached to the upper body, which must therefore be uncovered.
• If further tests have already been scheduled, take this into account, especially if it is an exercise test. Wear sports clothing.
• Bring someone with you; two people hear more than one person alone.