When it comes to heart health, many people get confused between two important specialists—cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. While both play vital roles in diagnosing and treating heart conditions, their training, approach, and treatment methods are quite different.
Let’s break it down simply, so you can understand who does what and when you might need each.
Who is a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing, managing, and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels using medications and non-surgical methods.
What does a Cardiologist do?
- Diagnosis high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), heart failure, and more.
- Performs and interprets tests like ECG, 2D Echo, Stress Tests, Holter Monitoring, Angiography.
- Treats heart conditions through medications, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty (inserting a stent).
- Manages chronic heart diseases and prevents heart attacks.
Think of a cardiologist as your go-to expert for medical management and long-term care of your heart.
Who is a Cardiac Surgeon?
A cardiac surgeon, also called a cardiothoracic surgeon, is a doctor who performs open-heart or minimally invasive surgeries to treat structural problems of the heart.
What does a Cardiac Surgeon do?
- Performs major surgeries like:
- Bypass surgery (CABG)
- Valve replacement or repair
- Aortic aneurysm repair
- Congenital heart defect correction
- Heart transplants
- Bypass surgery (CABG)
- Works closely with cardiologists, often after medical treatment is no longer effective
Think of a cardiac surgeon as the one who steps in when your heart needs surgical correction or repair.
| Factor | Cardiologist | Cardiac Surgeon |
| Focus | Diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of heart disease | Surgical treatment of heart and chest issues |
| Tools Used | Medications, angiography, pacemaker implantation | Scalpels, sutures, heart-lung machine |
| Procedures | ECG, angioplasty, stenting | Bypass, valve replacement, heart repair |
| Patient Care | Long-term follow-up and prevention | Operative care and post-surgical recovery |
| Training | MD (Medicine) + DM (Cardiology) | MS (Surgery) + MCh (Cardiothoracic Surgery) |
Cardiologist vs. Cardiac Surgeon: Key Differences Real-Life Scenario:
If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, you would first visit a cardiologist, who may:
- Run tests
- Prescribe medications
- Recommend lifestyle changes
- Possibly perform an angioplasty
However, if your arteries are too blocked or your valves are damaged beyond repair, you will be referred to a cardiac surgeon for bypass or valve surgery.
At Surgi Care Unit – You Get the Best of Both Worlds
At Surgi Care Unit, we offer comprehensive cardiac care with a collaborative team of experienced cardiologists and skilled cardiac surgeons.
Our approach ensures:
- Early and accurate diagnosis
- Personalised treatment plans
- Access to state-of-the-art surgical facilities
- Seamless coordination between medical and surgical care
Whether you need routine heart check ups or advanced cardiac surgery, you’re in safe hands.
🗓️ Book your heart health consultation today. Your heart deserves expert care—timely, precise, and compassionate.
