How Does a Cardiologist Spend a Workday?

General Overview

A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in the cardiovascular system and treating diseases related to the heart and the blood vessels. Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and congenital heart defects. They administer tests such as electrocardiograms and echocardiograms to assess the level of disease in the cardiovascular system. They can sometimes determine whether there is a problem just by listening to a person's heartbeat. Cardiologists will prescribe medication or give dietary advice to help patients prevent serious complications. Cardiologists do not perform surgery, however.

Typical Workday

A cardiologist spends a typical workday meeting with and interviewing patients who may be experiencing problems with their cardiovascular systems. Upon meeting a patient, the cardiologist reviews the his medical history, taking note of any evidence that he may be prone to heart failure, including high cholesterol. Following the assessment of the patient's medical history, the cardiologist will perform several physical exams, including listening to the heart and taking a blood sample. If necessary, the cardiologist will administer an electrocardiogram, which uses electrical impulses to chart the heart's contractions. Finally, the cardiologist will prescribe heart medication to treat any problems, such as an irregular heartbeat, or advise the patient to go on a strict diet to treat any diseases of the blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease.

Other Duties

In addition to treating patients, many cardiologists also conduct research on the cardiovascular system in the hopes of finding new, more helpful treatments and preventative measures for heart attacks. Many cardiologists work in teams with other specialists and publish their findings in medical journals and health publications.