A Complete Guide To Cardiology

Cardiology is a medical field that concentrates on problems with the heart and other parts of the circulatory system. Congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology are covered in this area. Cardiologists, who are internal medicine specialists, are physicians who specialize in the medical profession. A pediatric cardiologist is a pediatrician who practices in cardiology. A physician specializing in cardiac surgery is called a cardiothoracic surgeon or a cardiac surgeon, which is the specialty of general surgery.

A cardiologist is a doctor who practices diagnosing and treating diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system).

Commonly Asked Questions About Cardiology

What Does A Cardiologist Do?

A cardiologist is a doctor who practices diseases of the cardiovascular system (mainly the heart and blood vessels). To become a cardiologist, a doctor must attend four years of medical school and another six to eight years of internal medicine training and specialized cardiology.

How Many Cardiologists Are There In India?

For instance, there are 4,000 cardiologists in India, but the requirement is 88,000. There are only 315 postgraduate (PG) seats in cardiology, whereas the need is to have 3,375 seats. There are only 1,200 practicing doctors in nephrology, but a country of India's size needs 40,000 specialists. Existing medical colleges offer 120 PG seats worldwide, while 2,150 seats are needed to take care of the patient load.

Who Is The Best Cardiologist In The World?

Dr. Salim Yusuf is an internationally renowned cardiologist and epidemiologist. His 35 years of work have had a significant impact on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A leading clinical trial expert in North America, his epidemiological studies conducted in more than 60 countries/regions show that most of the risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can be attributed to a few risk factors. His large-scale research involving hundreds of thousands of people in dozens of countries has changed how some of the world's worst diseases are prevented, treated, and managed.

Who Is The Youngest Cardiologist In India?

 

Balamurali Ambati

Ambati Balamurali Krishna

Born

Balamurali Krishna Ambati July 29, 1977 Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

Nationality

American

Alma mater

Harvard University Duke University

 

In India, Which Doctor Is In High Demand?

Cardiologists can easily become one of the most popular doctors in India. They specialize in heart disease. Atherosclerosis, chest pain, high blood pressure, and myocardial ischemia are the most frequently consulted cardiologists' cases. Cardiologists only deal with the medical aspects of heart disease. They do not perform cardiac surgery. However, they are trained to deliver specific diagnostic procedures on the heart. Cardiologists are very effective in emergencies that require immediate medical or surgical treatment.

Do Cardiologists Work Long Hours?

In general, cardiologists work very long hours, with 40% of doctors spending more than 50 hours a week seeing patients and 11% of doctors spending more than 65 hours a week. One in five doctors spends 30 to 40 hours a week seeing patients, while 11% of doctors spend less than 30 hours a week.

Are Cardiologists In High Demand?

Cardiologists, where demand will increase by 20%; Neurological surgeons, where demand will increase by 18%; Radiologists, where demand will increase by 18%; General surgeons, where demand will increase by 18%.

Can I Become A Cardiologist After 10th?

  • Earns a bachelor's degree with MBBS after 10+2.
  • Get admission in a PG course leading to Doctor of Medicine (MD) in general medicine.
  • After finishing a three-year degree of MD, go for the super specialty course of 3-year DM in Cardiology to be a Cardiologist.

What Does A Cardiologist Do In A Day?

 

 

The cardiac surgeon opens the chest for heart surgery. Cardiologists specialize in researching and treating diseases of the cardiovascular system. The cardiologist will perform the test, and they may perform certain procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, or the insertion of a pacemaker. Heart disease is particularly related to the heart, while the cardiovascular disease can affect the heart, blood vessels, or both. In the United States, a cardiologist must complete four years of medical school, three years of internal medicine training, and at least three years specializing in cardiology.

Will The Cardiologist Perform Surgery?

  • Cardiothoracic surgeons usually perform operations on the heart and chest. 
  • Cardiologists work with surgeons to manage the patient and determine whether the patient needs surgery. 
  • They may also work together to treat irregular heartbeat problems.
  •  Before the operation, a cardiologist will conduct a comprehensive assessment. 
  • After the operation, the surgeon will treat the patient immediately with the help of a cardiologist.
  •  Once the patient recovers at home and the surgeon releases the patient from his care, the cardiologist will follow them for a long-term.

 

How Do You Know If Your Heart Is Healthy?

7 Signs of a Healthy Heart.

  See how your heart measures some key health indicators. 

  • Heart rate.

Your heart rate should usually be between 60 to 100 beats per minute, although many doctors prefer to have their patients 50 to 70 beats range.

  • Blood Pressure.

 Blood pressure readings below 120/80 are within the healthy limit. The first number, 120, marks your arterial pressure, while the second number, 80, marks your relaxed heart muscle pressure. A reading higher than 130/80 indicates that your blood pressure is too high, which may cause a heart attack or stroke.

  • Energy Level.

 When your heart does its job effectively, your body will get the oxygen and nutrients in the blood it needs to provide you with enough energy to maintain your active lifestyle. Chronic fatigue may be an early warning sign of heart disease.

  • Cholesterol.

Cholesterol levels in the blood must be kept safe for important functions such as cell production. High LDL cholesterol in the blood may trigger a blockage, obstructing blood flow and raising the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

  • Quick Recovery Rate. 

The ability to quickly rebound to a normal heart rate after strenuous exercise is another sign of heart health. You can test yourself by measuring your heart rate immediately after exercise and after one minute of rest. Ideally, your speed should drop by 20 beats or more.

  • Good Oral Health.

Although a bacterial infection causes periodontal disease, gum pain and bleeding can also be an early warning of heart disease. Bacteria in your mouth can penetrate the bloodstream, causing inflammation of the arteries and accumulation of plaque, doubling your heart disease risk.

  • Healthy Breathing.

The ability to breathe naturally when walking and catch your breath after swimming sprints is a sign of good heart health. This means that your cardiovascular system is functioning normally, providing your system with the oxygen it needs.

 

What Tests Are Done By A Cardiologist?

Common tests for heart function include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). 
  • Chest X-rays.
  • Echocardiogram. 
  • Cardiac Catheterization and Angiogram.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • CT (Computerized Tomography) of the Heart.
  • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE).
  • Special Heart Rhythm Testing.
  • Holter Monitor.
  • Event Monitor.
  • Implantable Event Recorder.
  • Transtelephonic Pacemaker/ICD Transmission.
  • Exercise Stress Testing.
  • Electrophysiology Study.
  • Additional Testing.

How Do Cardiologists Check Your Heart?

Cardiac MRI – this test uses magnets and radio waves to take pictures of your heart while it beats. With this test, your cardiologist can see still and moving pictures of your major blood vessels, as well as your heart.

At What Age Should You See A Cardiologist?

 

 

It is unusual to have a heart attack or stroke when you are young. We should not see heart attacks in young people under 60. Despite this, we still see many people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s suffering from heart disease. And, as mentioned above, these people have established a history of heart disease in their families.

If a person has a stroke or heart attack that is less than 55 for men or less than 65 for women, family members should consider seeing a cardiologist. We can assess their risk of heart disease and then provide regular screening and risk reduction plans.

What Is The Scope Of Cardiology?

 

 

Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine journal's scope includes coronary artery and valve diseases, interventional and pediatric cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, arrhythmias and stimulation, cardiovascular imaging, vascular medicine, and hypertension epidemiology, and risk factors.

It also covers the topics such as Acute Coronary Syndromes, Anticoagulation, Atherosclerosis, Atherothrombosis, Atrial Fibrillation, Biomarkers, Cardiac Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Clinical Research, Congenital Heart Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Diagnostic Testing, Genetics/Genomics, Heart Failure, Acute Heart Failure, Advanced Heart Failure/LVAD/Transplantation, Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, Heart Failure Epidemiology, Heart Failure Disease Management, Chronic Heart Failure, Heart Rhythm Disorders, Hypertension, Images in Cardiology, Images in Intervention, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Contrast Echocardiography, CT Coronary Angiography, Echocardiography - 3D, TEE, Nuclear Cardiology/PET, Stress Echocardiography, Imaging Vignette, Carotid Interventions, Coronary Pathophysiology, Endovascular Imaging, Peripheral Vascular Interventions, STEMI Interventions and Systems, Structural Heart Disease Interventions, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Lipidology, Myocardial Infarction, Pericardial Disease, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Pharmacology, Pre-Clinical Research/Basic Science, Prevention/Cardiovascular Risk, Pulmonary Hypertension, Valvular Heart Disease, Vascular Medicine.

In India, How Long Does It Take To Become A Cardiologist?

Aspiring candidates must have done 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 3 years MD and 3-years DM (Cardiology) to become a Cardiologist.

How To Become A Cardiologist?

How to become a cardiologist?

To become a cardiologist, interested applicants must complete the following steps:

step 1 

Candidates taking the +2 course (with physics, chemistry, and biology as the main topics) must take the entrance exams conducted by various well-known medical institutions such as NEET-UG and AIIMS MBBS Entrance Exam to admit candidates in several medical institutions affiliated with it. These exams are usually held from May to June.

Step 2

After completing the four-and-a-half years of MBBS degree program and one year and six months of mandatory training, you must study for a master's degree in cardiology - a specialization - must work as a Cardiologist.

Aspiring MBBS doctors must take a postgraduate medical entrance exam, such as

  • NEET PG
  • BHU M.D. / M.S. Entrance Test
  • Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam.
  • Delhi University Post Graduate Medical Entrance Test

 

However, some institutes also provide admission based on marks obtained in the MBBS course and the aspiring candidates' work experience.

Step 3

After completing two to three years of cardiology master's degree program and obtaining the necessary registration from the Indian Medical Council, budding cardiologists can take different career paths to open up to cardiologists, like getting jobs in Government Hospitals like AIIMS, Corporate Hospitals like Apollo, Fortis. The cardiologist can also choose their own heart care center.

What Does It Feel Like When The Heart Is Blocked?

 

 

A fully blocked coronary artery may cause a heart attack. Typical symptoms and signs of a heart attack include crushing pressure in your chest and pain in your arm or shoulder, sometimes with shortness of breath and sweating.

Women are more likely than men to have less typical signs and symptoms of a heart attack, such as neck or jaw pain. They may also have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea. Sometimes a heart attack occurs without any obvious signs or symptoms.

What Are The Signs That Your Heart Is Failing Quietly?

Signs and symptoms of heart failure may include: 

  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when tired or lying down.
  •  Fatigue and weakness.
  • Swelling (edema) of legs, ankles, and feet.
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • Reduced ability to exercise.
  • Continuous coughing or wheezing, accompanied by white or pink bloody phlegm.
  • Urge to urinate more often at night
  • Your belly is swollen (ascites)
  • Fluid accumulation causes rapid weight gain.
  • Nausea and a lack of appetite
  • Concentration problems or a lack of alertness
  • Coughing up pink, foamy mucus and experiencing sudden, serious shortness of breath
  • Chest pain if your heart failure is induced by a heart attack

How Can I Make My Heart Stronger?

7 powerful ways to strengthen your heart

Keep Moving.

Like any other muscle, your heart is a muscle, and exercise increases its strength. The first step is to ascertain your target heart rate and then find an activity you like and stick to for a long time.

Quit Smoking. 

Quitting smoking is difficult. But you know that quitting smoking is very important, and one of the biggest causes is that it is linked to heart disease.

Lose Weight. 

Losing weight is more than just eating and exercising. Dr. Bavani Nadeswaran said that this is a personal journey involving finding things you like and useful things to you.

Eat heart-Healthy Foods. 

Guacamole and salmon are loaded with healthy fats that are good for the heart. 

Don't forget the chocolate. 

Good news:  wine and chocolate contribute to heart health. 

Bad news: only in moderation.

Alcohol and cocoa powder (key ingredients in chocolate) have antioxidants and have been shown to lower bad cholesterol, improve good cholesterol and improve blood clotting.

 

Don't Overeat. Although this advice mainly applies to holidays, it is effective throughout the year when the number of deaths from heart attacks due to a large amount of food and temptation increases.

 Eating a lot of food at once can cause: 

  • Transfer of blood to the digestive system from the heart.
  •  Faster and irregular heart rhythm, which may cause a heart attack or heart failure.

Don't Stress. 

More than 1,400 biochemical reactions to stress include increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. If you cannot control the stress, it will create more stress and trap you in the stress cycle.

Does Your Body Warn You About A Heart Attack?

We may pause at this moment, wondering if it's time to ask the doctor for leave or if this is normal. Dr. Sutter Zi-Jian Xu, a cardiologist on the Sutter Health network, said that the reality is that people can notice subtle heart attack symptoms a few months before the actual event.

What Are These Early Symptoms Usually Like?

Dr. Xu said that most patients would experience some typical symptoms, such as radiating chest pain, heaviness or discomfort, heart, sweating, and shortness of breath. Other people-women more than men-experience some typical symptoms, including fatigue, general discomfort, vague discomfort, back or abdominal pain, and decreased physical strength. Both types of symptoms may appear several months before the actual heart attack.

How Many Years Does It Take To Become A Cardiologist?

 

 

A cardiologist is a physician who analysis and treats heart and cardiovascular diseases. It usually takes 10 to 13 years to become a cardiologist.

They specialize in treating congenital heart disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease. They work with people who need special heart care or have early heart disease. Cardiologists usually focus on one type of patient. Adult cardiologists will only see adult patients. Similarly, pediatric cardiologists only meet with infants, children, or adolescents. Cardiology is one of the most complicated fields in medicine. Therefore, many cardiologists specialize in different fields. All cardiologists are clinical cardiologists; they focus on the diagnosis, medical management, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

What Are The Four Phases Of Heart Failure?

 

 

 

Heart failure is divided into four stages (stages A, B, C, and D). The stage ranges from "high risk of developing heart failure" to "advanced heart failure," and a treatment plan is provided. As the condition worsens, your heart muscle pumps less blood to your organs, and then you enter the next stage of heart failure. You cannot go back to all stages. For instance, if you are in stage B, you cannot enter stage A again. The purpose of treatment is to prevent or delay your progression. Treatment of various stages of heart failure may involve changes in medications, lifestyle, and cardiac equipment.

How Does A Mini Heart Attack Feel?

A mini-heart attack's symptoms include chest pain or a feeling of pressure or squeezing in the center of the chest. This pain may continue for a few minutes: it may come and go, too. There may be a pain in your throat. Symptoms can be confused with indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

How Long Can You Live With A Weak Heart?

The life expectancy of congestive heart failure depends on the disease's severity, genetic factors, age, and other factors. Bestowing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of all patients with congestive heart failure have been able to survive for more than five years. According to a study published in the journal Circulation Research in August 2013, only about 10% of people diagnosed with this disease can survive for at least 10 years.

What Is End Stage Heart Failure?

Patients at the end p of heart failure want to know what will happen. End-stage congestive heart failure symptoms include dyspnea, chronic coughing or wheezing, edema, nausea or loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, and confusion or impaired thinking.

What Can Feel Like A Heart Attack But Isn't?

In most people, non-cardiac chest pain is linked to esophageal problems, like gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other reasons include muscle or bone problems, lung condition or disease, stomach problems, stress, anxiety, and depression.

How Does Non-cardiac Chest Pain Feel?

Non-cardiac chest pain is often defined as feeling like angina, chest pain caused by heart disease. The patient feels pressure or squeezing pain behind the breastbone. Some people also report that the pain spreads to the neck, left arm, or back. The pain may last for a few minutes or hours.

What Are The Top Three Foods That Cardiologists Recommend Avoiding?

Eight of the items on their lists are as follows:

  • Bacon, sausage, and other processed meats.
  • Potato chips and other processed, packaged snacks.
  • Dessert.
  • Too much protein.
  • Fast food.
  • Energy drinks.
  • Added salt.
  • Coconut oil.

What Is The Cost Of Studying Cardiology In India?

I want to inform you that if you opt for cardiology courses in India, it might cost you around INR 5000 - 10 lakh. And DM Cardiology is a 3-year course program, and eligibility for that is you have to MD General Medicine or Paediatrics. Will be recruited by Hindustan, Oregon, Integro, etc. And the areas are Hospitals, Defence Health Services, etc. Your salary will be around 6-30 lakh.

Salary Of Cardiologist

How Much Do Cardiologists Earn In India?

 

 

 

The average salary of an employee as a Cardiologist is ₹28.2lakhs.

Employees as Cardiologists earn an average of ₹28.2lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹15.0lakhs to ₹50.0lakhs based on 56 profiles.

What Is The Salary Of A Cardiologist Doctor In India?

Cardiologist Salaries

Job Title

Salary

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Cardiologist salaries - 1 salaries reported

₹ 60,670/mo

Madras Medical College Interventional Cardiologist salaries - 1 salaries reported

₹ 45,000/mo

Narayana Health CLINICAL CARDIOLOGIST salaries - 1 salaries reported

₹ 19,04,862/yr

What Is The Salary Of A Cardiologist In Aiims?

Cardiologists can expect an average monthly salary of Rs. 1.5 Lacs working in the private sector and working in government hospitals (such as AIIMS in New Delhi) can get any compensation between 80,000 rupees and 1,000,000 rupees, which can be compensated through their free accommodation, special treatment, and respect. However, there is no upper limit for efficient cardiologists to manage their own heart care centers.

References & Citation

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiology

https://www.accindia.org/

https://www.world-heart-federation.org/