Can a cardiologist do an ultrasound?
It is a fast, easy and painless evaluation that uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart. In North America, the test is performed by a specially trained technologist, called a sonographer, and is interpreted by a specially-trained physician, usually a cardiologist, trained in reading heart ultrasounds.
Why would a cardiologist order an ultrasound?
Diagnose and determine the extent of valve conditions. Determine the presence of abnormalities in the structure of the heart. Measure the size and thickness of the heart and its chambers. Assess the motion of the chamber walls and the extent of damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack.
Why would a child need to see a cardiologist?
You should make an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist if there is a family history of fainting, pacemakers or structural heart disease, if your child has palpitations or chest pains during the fainting spells, or if your child is passing out frequently during physical activity.
What will an ultrasound of my heart show?
Your image will show the shape and movement of your heart valves, as well as the size of your heart chambers and how well they are working. It can help investigate your clinical symptoms and assess heart conditions, such as murmurs or damage to the heart due to prior heart attack or infection.
What conditions do pediatric cardiologists treat?
Pediatric cardiologists are trained to treat children suffering from all types of heart diseases and conditions, including pulmonary valve disease, congenital heart disorders or defects, heart disease and arrhythmias, among many other complications and diseases.
How long does a cardiologist work?
The shift of a cardiologist typically begins as standard business hours, but often extends into working between 50 and 60 hours per week or more. The shift of a cardiologist may also include evenings, weekends and holidays, especially when they are working on-call or through a hospital.
How is pediatric cardiology different?
Pediatric cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart problems in children. In those children who might need heart surgery, pediatric cardiologists work closely with pediatric heart surgeons to determine the best treatments and interventions. A number of heart conditions can affect children.
How many years does it take to become a pediatric cardiologist?
Three years of full-time, broad based fellowship training in pediatric cardiology are required to be completed in a program accredited for training in pediatric cardiology by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in the United States or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Do cardiologists work a lot?
Overall, cardiologists work long hours, with 40% of doctors spending more than 50 hours per week seeing patients and 11% spending more than 65 hours per week with patients. One in five doctors spend 30 to 40 hours per week seeing patients, and 11% spend less than 30 hours weekly with patients.
