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:

Arrhythmias
Congenital heart disease
Cardiomyopathy
Heart failure
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Coronary artery thrombosis
Atherosclerosis
Oedema (build-up of fluid) in or around the heart
Heart murmurs

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.

Daniel Aguirre Nava