Before visiting a medical expert it is important to learn a bit about them. HelpingDoc discovers a few facts about doctors who treat your heart- Cardiologists. This blog also gives insight in to why cardiologists are becoming so popular.
Who is a Cardiologist?
Medical experts who assist in treating malfunctions of the heart are called Cardiologists. They are physicians who can be consulted for conditions such as congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure/heart attack, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. They are the doctor for heart diseases.
What does a Cardiologist do?
A cardiologist carries out crucial diagnostic, monitoring and analytical procedures for patients with known or suspected heart disease ranging from infants to the elderly people. They also assist in interventional procedures. They help diagnose or treat a patient complaining of angina pains, palpitations or high blood pressures. Medical experts involved in cardiac sciences have a lot of direct patient contact and need to work as part of a large team providing proactiveholistic care to patients.
What are the special skills required by a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist should be trained to carry/supervise cardiac procedures like echocardiography, pacemaker implantation and follow-up as well as exercise stress testing.
In India, to become a cardiologist; one must pursue 5½ years of MBBS which is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree and complete a 3-year MD. After this one should complete a 3 year DM Cardiology to be a Cardiologist.So after high school, it takes nearly 11½ years to be a qualified Cardiologist.
Why are Cardiologists so popular in India?
India is seeing an influx in heart diseases. A common explanation for this is that the Indian heart, due to a faulty genetic makeup, is more prone to heart diseases than an African or a Caucasian one as published in TOI, Feb 12, 2011. Several studies indicate that Indians are more likely to suffer heart attacks a decade earlier than other ethnic races. Probable factors are urbanisation, the rapid Westernisation of the traditional diet and stress which worsen the weak-heart syndrome. Metros like New Delhi, Mumbai and even Bengaluru visualise sprawling Heart Institutes. This is primarily due to worst stress conditions and lifestyle malfunction. Moreover, migration of population to these cities causes migration of doctors as well.
Some of the best Cardiologists are known to be from New Delhi and Bengaluru.As we all are familiar with the demand-supply equation, it follows that if heart problems rule, then heart doctors will be the rulers. Thus, we see an increase in cardiologists in our cities.
Well Known Cardiologists in our country:
Dr S Padmavati, one of the rare woman cardiologists in the country, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Dr. Devi Shetty, Dr. Ramakant Panda better known as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s doctor.