The human heart is a complex organ that is essential to your survival. Four chambers and four types of valves make up your heart. Electrical impulses created by the conduction system control the muscle. The heart is responsible for delivering all the blood, and therefore all the nutrients and oxygen, our bodies need. Because the heart is so complicated and so important, there are several types of highly trained heart specialists that work on the heart.
Cardiologist
Cardiologists specialize in heart and artery diseases. They are trained to detect such diseases, as well as treat and prevent them. Cardiologists are educated and trained for ten years or longer. After earning bachelor's degrees, they go to medical school, train in internal medicine and do special training in their field. Cardiologists may choose to specialize in running certain tests or detecting certain abnormalities or diseases.
Electrophysiologist
Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who specialize in detecting and/or treating heart rhythm abnormalities. By performing certain tests like echocardiograms and electrophysiology studies, electrophysiologists can detect problems with your heart's rhythm. They can detect arrhythmias, previous heart attacks, risk of heart attack and a number of other cardiovascular ailments.
Pediatric Cardiologist
Pediatric cardiologists have special education and training in heart care for children. They are capable of treating heart problems in fetuses and children up to the age of 18. Pediatric cardiologists undergo training and education for at least 12 years. First, they receive a bachelor's or master's in a science-related field. After that, they go to medical school for four years to obtain their internist education, complete a two or three year residency and a two or three year fellowship.
Cardiovascular Surgeon
Cardiovascular surgeons operate on the heart and blood vessels. They often perform risky, but lifesaving operations. They perform valve replacement surgeries, bypasses, pacemaker insertions and surgical treatment of arterial and aortic problems.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Cardiothoracic or thoracic surgeons train to operate on the heart, lungs, esophagus and other organs in the chest. Thoracic surgeons treat a variety of different diseases, such as lung cancer and heart failure. They also perform various surgeries, like heart transplants and coronary artery bypasses. Congenital heart surgeons are also thoracic surgeons. They operate on babies and children who have congenital heart problems.
Tags: certain tests, heart problems, heart rhythm, medical school, operate heart, Pediatric cardiologists, they medical
