A cardiac physiologist’s responsibilities vary depending on where he or she works and what specialization, if any, he or she has. Patients who have or may have heart or blood vessel problems are tested a cardiac physiologist. The cardiac physiologist must often explain the procedures and prepare the patient for the tests in addition to performing them. Some cardiac physiologists assist doctors or perform more invasive procedures on patients, as well as perform clerical tasks and provide patient follow-up care.
“Cardiac physiologist” is a term that is more commonly used in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom; in the United States, cardiac physiologists are known as cardiac technicians or cardiovascular technologists. Regardless of the job title, the responsibilities are the same. Electrocardiograms (EKGs), exercise or stress tests to measure a patient’s heart rate, echocardiograms, and ultrasounds are just a few of the tests that a cardiac physiologist might perform. These noninvasive procedures fall under the category of echocardiography.
Invasive cardiology is a specialty of some physiologists. They could, for example, help a cardiologist with cardiac catheterization. This test is commonly used to look for blockages in the blood vessels surrounding the heart. A cardiac physiologist may also assist with the implantation of pacemakers, which is an invasive procedure. Pacemaker recipients are frequently followed up on them.
Vascular technology is a third area of expertise. Cardiovascular physiologists concentrate on the blood vessels and circulation rather than the heart itself in this field. Because there is no probing or insertion of catheters or pacemakers in this specialty, it is also considered a noninvasive specialty. Other responsibilities for cardiac physiologists include scheduling appointments, reviewing patient files, and transcribing notes.
Around 75% of cardiac physiologists work in hospitals, with the majority of them in the cardiology department. They may also conduct tests in other hospital departments, including the labor and delivery, surgery, recovery, and emergency departments, to name a few. In most cases, they collaborate with cardiologists, other doctors, and nurses.
Cardiologists may work in cardiologist offices, outpatient surgery centers, or as independent contractors who can outsource their services as needed outside of hospitals. A two-year degree is typically required to become a cardiac physiologist, though four-year degrees are also available and can help the physiologist earn a higher salary. Other licensing or credentials may be required hospitals. Many hospitals prefer cardiac physiologists who have worked in the medical field before.