How To Choose a Cardiologist

Understanding Heart Specialists

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. That is why taking control of one's heart health and seeking expert care is essential. When people notice physical symptoms like shortness of breath, have a family history of heart disease, or have a medical condition that can affect the heart, it may be time to see a cardiologist.

What Is a Cardiologist?

Cardiologists are physicians who treat conditions of the heart and blood vessels. Some cardiologists specialize in a specific part of the heart or conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Knowing when to see a cardiologist and which type to see can be challenging.

Reasons To See a Cardiologist

Patients seek the help of a cardiologist when:

• New or worsening symptoms develop, such as difficulty breathing, pain in the chest or leg, or irregular heartbeats like atrial fibrillation
• There is a family history of heart disease
• They have risk factors for heart disease or stroke, like smoking and obesity
• Routine screenings, like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, are outside of the normal range
• They have a health condition that affects the heart and its function, like diabetes or cancer

When To See a Cardiologist

People concerned about their hearts should talk to their primary care provider. They can help patients with some heart health issues and manage conditions that lead to heart disease, like high blood pressure (hypertension).

“The heart acts as the engine for many important parts of our body,” explains Eli Gelfand, MD, Section Chief of General Cardiology at BIDMC. “When it's not functioning properly, a cardiologist has the expertise and diagnostic tools to uncover the condition’s root cause. Cardiologists also help patients learn about and manage risk factors (things that make heart problems more likely) before their condition becomes serious."

Types of Cardiologists

Whether a heart condition is simple to manage or complex and chronic, many types of cardiologists treat heart conditions, including:

General Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and help to prevent a wide range of heart-related conditions.

A primary care provider can refer patients to a general cardiologist who evaluates overall heart health and function. Some patients may need care from a cardiologist with specialized training.

More about BIDMC's Outpatient Cardiology Clinics

Arrhythmia Experts

Specialized cardiologists, called electrophysiologists, treat patients with all types of conditions that cause abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias). Some symptoms of this condition include a racing heart, weakness or fainting. Treatment for an irregular heartbeat may include medication, a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, ablation, or other procedures.

More about BIDMC's Arrhythmia Services

Heart Failure Specialist

If a patient is diagnosed with heart failure, they have a condition in which the heart has weakened or become too stiff to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Heart failure physicians are cardiologists who diagnose and treat all stages of heart failure. Heart failure is likely the result of another health condition that has caused damage to the heart. These specialists will determine the underlying reasons for the heart condition and create a long-term treatment plan with the patient and their care team to improve quality of life.

More about BIDMC Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation

Interventional Cardiologist

Using nonsurgical techniques, interventional cardiologists use minimally-invasive catheters (flexible, thin tubes) to diagnose and treat heart disease. Those conditions include acquired structural heart disease, vascular disease, and heart defects present at birth (congenital).

Many patients benefit from an advanced procedure performed by interventional cardiologists called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). TAVR is available to patients with narrowed aortic heart valves who are too sick to undergo traditional open-heart surgery.

More about Interventional Heart Care at BIDMC

Cardio-Oncologist

Many cancer treatments cause side effects involving the heart, known as cardiotoxicity. These side effects can be serious, and in some cases, they cause interruption of life-saving cancer treatment. Cardio-oncologists work closely with the cancer treatment team to keep the heart safe before, during, and after cancer treatment.

More about Cardio-Oncology at BIDMC

Women's Heart Health Specialist

About 45% of U.S. women live with heart disease. Cardiologists specializing in women's heart health understand women's unique needs and challenges throughout all life stages, including pregnancy.

These specialists offer diagnostic services to prevent and manage heart disease. They treat many cardiac conditions like arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), cardiomyopathies, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, valve disorders, and congenital heart disease.

More about the Women's Cardiovascular Health Program at BIDMC

Vascular Medicine Cardiologist

The circulatory system plays an essential role in heart health. Vascular medicine cardiologists treat conditions of the arteries, veins and the lymphatic system. Often, they treat conditions related to poor circulation in the arms and legs, like peripheral artery disease.

These specialists can determine if a patient is at risk for vascular disease, which can be caused by other conditions like high blood pressure. A vascular medicine specialist can treat vascular conditions using medications and non-invasive procedures.

More about Vascular Medicine at BIDMC

Choosing the Right Cardiologist

Once a patient figures out the type of heart physician they need, there are some other important things to think about:

• Location: Does the cardiologist have multiple locations and easy access if multiple visits are needed?
• Advanced Care: Is the cardiologist part of a healthcare organization that uses advanced testing and treatment options?
• Team of Experts: Is the cardiologist part of a team of connected specialists (in and outside of cardiology) working together to care for your heart?

Personalized Cardiology Care at BIDMC

Patients can access preventive care and medical and interventional therapies for all heart conditions within BIDMC's Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. That means patients get the personalized care to treat their heart needs. Patients also benefit from ongoing cardiovascular medicine clinical trials that evaluate the safety and efficacy of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.

“Being a part of BIDMC means you're not just getting a cardiologist — you're joining a team of experts who provide leading-edge care and research. The best part? We're in your community, making great care easily accessible," notes Gelfand.

Make an Appointment

BIDMC Cardiology services are closer than you think. Find a specialist near you at heart and vascular care locations and call 617-667-8800 to schedule an appointment.