Cardiologists

What this job is

Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.

What they do day to day

• Administer emergency cardiac care for life-threatening heart problems, such as cardiac arrest and heart attack.
• Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, or disease prevention.
• Answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being.
• Calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
• Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standards to identify abnormalities, using the results of an echocardiogram.
• Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
• Conduct exercise electrocardiogram tests to monitor cardiovascular activity under stress.
• Conduct research to develop or test medications, treatments, or procedures that prevent or control disease or injury.
• Conduct tests of the pulmonary system, using a spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment.
• Design and explain treatment plans, based on patient information such as medical history, reports, and examination results.

Education and preparation

Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.

Typical entry education (BLS): Doctoral or professional degree.

Who this job suits

Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.

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