Did you know there are multiple types of cardiologists, and not all heart specialists are cardiologists? Understanding who does what can help you make informed decisions about your care.
You probably know that cardiology is the branch of medicine focused on the heart. However, heart health is complex, involving different systems, diseases, and treatments. Because of this, there are several cardiology subspecialties and even different types of doctors who work on the heart, such as cardiovascular or cardiothoracic surgeons.
Let’s break down the differences and help you understand which type of heart specialist you might need.
The Basics of Heart Health
Your heart has two main systems that keep it functioning effectively: an electrical system and a plumbing system.
Electrical system: Controls the rhythm of your heartbeat. When electrical signals misfire, it can cause arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) that make the heart beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Severe electrical problems can also cause sudden cardiac arrest, which happens when the heart stops beating entirely.
Plumbing system: Involves the arteries and veins that carry blood to and from the heart. These blood vessels can become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, known as atherosclerosis, or damaged by high blood pressure. Common conditions include coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, and heart attacks.
Some conditions, such as heart failure, can affect both systems, making specialized care essential.
What Cardiologists Do
A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists do not perform open-heart surgery. Instead, they focus on diagnosing heart conditions, managing medications, and providing treatment plans or procedures that do not require surgery.
When you visit with a general cardiologist, your provider will talk with you about your symptoms, perform a physical exam including a check of your vital signs, and order tests such as lab work or imaging scans. These tests can be used to get a good look at how your heart is functioning or to diagnose a health issue.
Your primary care provider may refer you to a cardiologist if you have symptoms of heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems.
During a typical visit, a cardiologist will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may order tests such as an echocardiogram, stress test, or cardiac CT scan to assess how your heart is functioning.
The Different Types of Cardiologists
Cardiology includes several subspecialties, each focusing on a specific area of heart care. Here are the most common types:
General Cardiologist: Provides broad care for heart health, diagnoses most cardiac conditions, and coordinates with other specialists when needed.
Electrophysiologist: Focuses on the heart’s electrical system and treats arrhythmias using pacemakers, defibrillators, or ablation procedures.
Interventional Cardiologist: Performs catheter-based, minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked arteries.
Invasive Cardiologist: Similar to an interventional cardiologist but focuses more on diagnostic catheterizations rather than repair procedures.
Heart Failure Specialist: Manages complex or advanced heart failure to slow disease progression and maintain function.
Cardio-Oncologist: Specializes in protecting the heart health of cancer patients during and after treatment.
Each cardiologist plays a unique role in diagnosing and managing heart disease. Some patients may see more than one type of cardiologist, especially those with complex or chronic conditions.
Cardiovascular and Cardiothoracic Surgeons: The Surgical Experts
While cardiologists manage and diagnose heart conditions, surgeons repair them through operations. These physicians complete medical school, a general surgery residency, and additional years of fellowship training focused on the heart.
A Cardiac Surgeon operates specifically on the heart, performing procedures such as coronary artery bypass surgery or heart valve repair.
A Cardiovascular Surgeon treats both heart and blood vessel conditions throughout the body.
A Cardiothoracic Surgeon performs surgeries involving the heart, lungs, and chest cavity.
In summary, cardiologists are not surgeons. Cardiologists focus on diagnosing and managing heart conditions, while cardiovascular or cardiothoracic surgeons perform surgical procedures to correct or repair heart and vascular problems. Both types of specialists often work together to provide complete heart care.
Understanding the difference between cardiologists and heart surgeons helps you make better choices about your care. If you are managing heart disease, your care team may include both a cardiologist to monitor and treat your condition and a surgeon to perform repairs or corrective procedures if needed.
When it comes to your heart, having the right team of specialists can make all the difference.
You deserve a one-stop-shop for all your heart health needs. West Tennessee Medical Group has the expert providers you may need. Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery are here.
