Specialty

Cardiology: find cardiologists and care information

Cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions of the heart and blood vessels — from high blood pressure and chest pain to arrhythmias, heart failure, and valve disease.

When to see one

When to see a cardiologist

  • Chest pain, pressure, or tightness with exertion
  • Palpitations, a racing heart, or fainting spells
  • Shortness of breath or swelling in the legs
  • An abnormal ECG, murmur, or stress-test result
  • A strong family history of early heart disease
Subspecialties

Areas within cardiology

Interventional CardiologyElectrophysiologyHeart Failure & TransplantPediatric Cardiology

Cardiologists in our directory

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Conditions

Conditions cardiologists treat

Procedures

Common procedures & tests

What to expect at a visit

Expect a focused history, blood pressure and heart exam, an ECG, and often an echocardiogram or stress test scheduled as a follow-up.

Insurance & referrals

Most visits are billed to medical insurance. Some imaging and stress tests require prior authorization — the office usually handles this.

Seek emergency care for

  • Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, or spreading to the arm or jaw
  • Sudden severe shortness of breath
  • Fainting, or a very fast heartbeat that will not slow down

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see a cardiologist?
Many plans let you self-refer, but HMO plans usually require a referral from your primary care doctor.
What is the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon?
Cardiologists manage heart disease medically and with catheter-based procedures; cardiac (cardiothoracic) surgeons perform open-heart operations such as bypass and valve replacement.
How should I prepare for a stress test?
Wear comfortable shoes, avoid caffeine for 24 hours, and ask whether to hold any heart medications beforehand.
Related

Related specialties

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