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How to become a Cardiologist

Cardiologist

Career progression and salary expectations for a Cardiologist

1

Cardiologist

| Up to £40,000
2

Senior Cardiologist

| Up to £90,000
3

Cardiology Consultant

| Up to £140,000

The role of a Cardiologist

Thinking about becoming a Cardiologist? You just need to put your heart into it…  

Cardiologists are doctors who specialise in dealing with the cardiovascular system, including issues affecting the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries).

They’re generally found working in hospitals and private health clinics, working with patients who have been referred to them by their GP. The treatment they provide may affect people of all ages, ranging from babies and prenatal patients, through to elderly individuals, who may be reaching the latter stages of their lives.

Typical ailments treated by a Cardiologist include angina, irregular heartbeats, heart murmurs, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Day-to-day duties for a Cardiologist could include:

  • Examining patients to assess their condition
  • Investigating their medical backgrounds
  • Carrying out tests, such as echocardiograms and CT scans, to measure the heart’s performance
  • Performing specialised procedures, such as cardiac catheterisations and coronary angiography, to monitor and treat blockages
  • Using interventional cardiology to diagnose and treat conditions
  • Prescribing medication and fitting pacemakers
  • Following up with patients that require regular care
Aside from dedicated medical training, it will take a steady hand, not to mention a meticulous attention to detail, in order to become a Cardiologist.

Cardiology can be an extremely high pressure profession, which will require you to make difficult decisions quickly and effectively. The ability to be decisive, and ultimately keep calm in stressful situations, will similarly be key to your success. And, as many Cardiologists work on call as part of their job, flexibility is absolutely essential. If you’re looking for something that’s more 9-to-5, this might not be the role for you.

Other key skills for a Cardiologist include:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Confidence
  • Manual dexterity
  • Assertiveness
  • Persistence
  • An analytical approach to your work
"Cardiology sits somewhere between medicine and surgery really, which is why I like it so much. It can be incredibly practical and hands-on at times, and I could be performing emergency procedures or fitting lifesaving cardiovascular equipment. But it can also be really mentally complex, taking all my analytical and problem solving skills to help diagnose someone with a rarer condition. The hours can be long, and I often have to work on call, but it’s amazing to have a job that positively impacts so many people’s lives."

Get qualified as a Cardiologist

All Cardiologist jobs
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