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Roman Castillo, MD

Medically reviewed by:
Roman Castillo, MD

Cardiology is the study of the heart. The heart is a vital organ; without it functioning in top order, the body cannot run optimally.1 If you need help improving your heart health, you may want to visit a cardiologist or medical professional specializing in heart health care. Read this article for everything you need to know.

What does a cardiologist do?

A cardiologist specializes in treating the heart.1 They can help to assess how the heart is functioning, diagnose any heart-related conditions, and help to treat the heart if needed. You can visit a cardiologist preventatively if you have a family history of heart disease and/or if you just want to improve your heart health. You can also visit a cardiologist for treatment if you have been having any heart-related symptoms and/or think you may have a heart condition that needs intervention.

There are several tests cardiologists can run. Some of these include:2

  • A CT coronary angiogram
  • An echocardiogram
  • An electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • A stress test

There are several services cardiologists offer. Some of these include:2

  • Ablation therapy
  • Various heart surgeries
  • Cardiac rehab
  • Cardiac stenting
  • Heart monitoring options
  • Pacemaker administration
  • Lipid management

When to see a cardiologist

If you are wondering if you need to make a cardiologist appointment, knowing the signs of when to see a cardiologist can be helpful. Some of the signs can include if you have:3

  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Other medical conditions that may increase your risk of having a cardiac event
  • High cholesterol
  • A history of heart disease

A primary care provider (PCP) can also manage heart health, and it is a good first step before seeking additional care from a cardiologist. For basic heart health monitoring, your PCP can likely manage what you need. If you need more specialized testing, examination, or more thorough care, your PCP will likely refer you to a cardiologist.

Cardiologists near me

If you are looking for a cardiologist, it can be helpful to find one close by. If you want to find a WellMed cardiologist, there are resources available to find one near you. They practice at various locations and may be contracted with local clinics as well. Find a cardiologist near you today to get started on optimizing your heart health.

Frequently asked questions about cardiology

What is an EKG?

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a heart test run to monitor heartbeat.4 When you get an EKG, a health care provider will look at the electrical signal in the heart to see if your rhythm is normal. Getting an EKG done can be helpful if you are having symptoms of heart disease and/or if you have a history of heart attack. EKG machines are typically found in medical offices and/or hospitals and are pretty quick tests to administer./p>

What does a cardiologist do on your first visit?

A first visit with a cardiologist may vary depending on you and what you need. Generally, during the first visit with a cardiologist, your medical history will be taken, and a physical exam may be performed.5 If necessary, testing may also be conducted during the first visit. It is helpful to come prepared with any medicines you are taking, your family history, your medical history, a list of all the health care providers who help you, and any questions you may have. Some people may benefit from bringing a friend or family member along to listen.

Are there different types of cardiologists?

Yes, there are different types of cardiologists.6 Some of these include general cardiologists, cardiologists specializing in imaging (like EKGs), and cardiologists specializing in abnormal heart rhythms. Some cardiologists specialize in congenital heart conditions or conditions people are born with. Some cardiologists specialize in rehabilitation, which is needed after some serious heart-related events. Depending on you and your symptoms, your primary care provider may recommend that you go to a specific kind of cardiologist.

Related Resources

If you are interested in seeing a cardiologist and/or improving your heart health today, get started with WellMed. WellMed has several resources that you can access to gather more information and to find the right kind of care. Take control of your heart health and well-being today with WellMed.

Find a doctor near you

Bibliography:

1. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. (2025, January 14). What is a cardiologist? Specialization & career path. AUC School of Medicine. https://www.aucmed.edu/blog/what-is-a-cardiologist.

2. Cardiologist appointment: What you need and what to expect | Arizona | Dignity Health. (n.d.). Dignity Health. https://www.dignityhealth.org/arizona/articles/cardiologist-appointment-what-you-need-and-what-to-expect.

3. Cardiovascular Medicine – Tests and procedures. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardiovascular-medicine/sections/tests-procedures/orc-20122262?customer_id=173-378-9621&mc_id=google&campaign=19952136927&geo=9029966&kw=cardiology%20tests&ad=654518517739&network=g&sitetarget=&adgroup=148160415499&extension=&target=kwd-300995149092&matchtype=e&device=c&account=1733789621&invsrc=heart&placementsite=enterprise&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8Qu2-ElcDR_gdYMeH-hBlGBKZss&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0b3Cqb0xXGXokv5Y8OEohRbkg1kbfN4gOFw1yOyavLEJ4vZgPn4S2QaAuxpEALw_wcB.

4. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983.

5. Katella, K. (2022, January 8). What kind of heart specialist do you need? Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/10-types-of-cardiologists.

6. Northwestern Medicine Staff & Northwestern Medicine. (2020, February 12). 10 signs It’s time to see a cardiologist. Northwestern Medicine. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/ten-signs-its-time-to-see-a-cardiologist.