What does a Cardiologist do?

I am a consultant cardiologist, and people often wonder what exactly my role involves. In simple terms, a cardiologist is a doctor who specialises in heart conditions. However, there are many different types of cardiologists. Some focus on general heart-related issues, while others, like myself, are highly specialised in particular aspects of heart health. In my case, I specialise in diseases of the heart’s electrical system, a field known as cardiac electrophysiology.

Cardiology itself is a vast field. Many cardiologists work in general cardiology, diagnosing and managing common conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Others specialise further into areas such as imaging, congenital heart disease, or interventional cardiology, which involves procedures like angioplasty and stenting.

My particular area of expertise is heart rhythm disorders. The heart's electrical system controls its beating, and when this goes wrong, it can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, blackouts, or even cardiac arrest. I diagnose and treat all kinds of problems related to heart rhythm disturbances. The most common condition I deal with is atrial fibrillation, the most frequently occurring cardiac arrhythmia. It can cause irregular heartbeats, breathlessness, fatigue, and an increased risk of stroke.

A significant part of my work involves performing catheter ablation, a specialised procedure that can cure many patients of their arrhythmia problems. This is a minimally invasive technique where fine wires (catheters) are passed into the heart via the blood vessels to identify and treat abnormal electrical signals. For many people, this offers long-term relief from their symptoms and can dramatically improve their quality of life.

Some patients require devices to help regulate their heart’s electrical function, such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Pacemakers are used for slow heart rhythms, ensuring the heart beats at a safe and steady rate. ICDs, on the other hand, are used for patients at risk of dangerous heart rhythms that could cause cardiac arrest. These devices monitor the heart continuously and can deliver life-saving shocks if necessary.

Becoming a cardiologist requires extensive training. After completing medical school, I undertook around five years of general cardiology training before specialising in cardiac electrophysiology. I qualified from Oxford University in 2001 and became a consultant in 2014. Along the way, I also completed a PhD at University College London, which gave me additional expertise in heart rhythm disorders.

On a day-to-day basis, my work is split between seeing patients in outpatient clinics and performing procedures in the hospital. In clinic, I spend much of my time diagnosing conditions and deciding on the best course of treatment. Often, patients come to me with an established diagnosis, and my role is to determine whether medication, lifestyle changes, or an intervention such as ablation or a pacemaker is the best approach.

If a procedure is required, the next step is to schedule and carry it out. After that, I follow up with patients to monitor their recovery and manage any ongoing issues. Some conditions can be fully treated, while others require long-term management to keep symptoms under control.

Being a cardiologist is a fascinating and rewarding job. It is intellectually stimulating, involving constant learning and problem-solving. It is also highly practical, requiring hands-on skills for procedures. Most importantly, it is fulfilling because it allows me to make a real difference to patients' lives. Treating heart rhythm disorders can transform a patient’s health, giving them back their energy, confidence, and quality of life.

Overall, cardiology is a diverse and exciting field with many subspecialties. Whether diagnosing high blood pressure, performing complex ablations, or implanting life-saving devices, the aim is always the same: to keep hearts healthy and help patients live longer, better lives.