An interventional cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases of the heart and blood vessels using nonsurgical, catheter-based procedures and specialized imaging techniques. Interventional cardiologists treat coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and congenital heart disease, among other heart problems. Interventional cardiologists are also highly skilled in the prevention of heart disease and its complications, such as heart failure.
An interventional cardiologist typically:
Evaluates a patient’s medical history and educates the patient about heart health and heart disease prevention
Performs a physical exam including evaluation of blood pressure and vital signs; weight; and the health of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels
Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, angina, arrhythmias, and heart attack
Screens, treats and monitors conditions known to increase the risk of heart disease, such as hypertension, smoking, and high cholesterol. For some complex risks, such as having diabetes, an interventional cardiologist will provide referrals to other specialists such as an endocrinologist.
Performs procedures including cardiac catheterization and coronary angioplasty
An interventional cardiologist may also be known by the following names: cardiologist, cardiac doctor, cardiovascular disease doctor, and heart doctor.
There are 181 specialists practicing Interventional Cardiology in North Carolina with an overall average rating of 4.4 stars. There are 95 hospitals in North Carolina with affiliated Interventional Cardiology specialists, including Duke University Hospital, Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center and WakeMed Raleigh Campus.
