A cardiologist, or cardiology consultant, is a medical doctor who specializes in cardiology. Cardiology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of people who have problems with their cardiovascular system, specifically their heart, arteries, and veins. Congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and myocardial infarction (heart attack) are all common heart diseases that a cardiology consultant treats. Aneurysms, or weakening in the artery wall, and atherosclerosis, or narrowing of blood vessels, are also treated these specialists.
A cardiology consultant, in addition to diagnosing and treating cardiac patients, provides health advice and information on how to prevent the development of various heart diseases promoting healthy eating habits, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. In order to prevent further complications in patients with heart diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, he frequently prescribes maintenance medications. He is also responsible as a medical consultant for responding to pertinent questions and health concerns raised his patients and their families.
A cardiology consultant is frequently seen in the emergency room and the intensive care unit (ICU), where patients with heart problems are frequently admitted. To help him evaluate and diagnose his patients, he frequently requests a variety of diagnostic tests. Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, peripheral vascular ultrasound, and stress testing are all common diagnostic tests. He may also request blood tests, such as a fasting blood sugar test to determine whether his patient’s problems are due to diabetes mellitus and a lipid profile test to determine his patient’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pains, headaches, and dizziness are common in patients seeking consultation with a cardiology consultant. To arrive at a diagnosis, the cardiology consultant usually conducts a thorough assessment and evaluation. If a cardiologist determines that his patient requires surgery after his examination, he will usually refer them to a cardiovascular surgeon, a doctor who specializes in heart and blood vessel surgery.
A first-year medical student typically takes ten years to become a cardiology consultant. He should complete a three-year internal medicine residency program after four years of medical school and passing the medical licensing examination. After completing his residency, he continues his education in the field of cardiology for another three years, honing the specific skills required of a cardiology consultant.