Cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the
diagnosis and treatment of diseases or conditions of the heart
and blood vessels, such as chest pain (angina), irregular heart
rhythms, high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart attacks.
Cardiologists administer tests that show how well a person's
heart is working, such as a treadmill test (exercise
electrocardiogram), and perform procedures such as cardiac
catheterization and angioplasty. They can further specialize in
interventional cardiology (the use of mechanical treatment
methods, such as angioplasty) or electrophysiology (treatments
involving the heart's electrical system) and may also specialize
in treating specific age groups, such as a pediatric
cardiologist, who only treats children. Cardiologists can be
board-certified through the Board of Internal Medicine, which is
recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Pediatric cardiologists are recognized by the American Academy
of Pediatrics. eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from H