Key Responsibilities
- Diagnose conditions: Review patient histories and evaluate symptoms like chest pain, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats.
- Order and perform tests: Utilize diagnostics such as electrocardiograms, stress tests, echocardiograms, and cardiac catheterizations.
- Create treatment plans: Prescribe heart medications, recommend diet and exercise changes, or perform specific non-surgical procedures.
- Coordinate care: Refer severe cases to cardiac surgeons or consult with other medical staff in hospital and clinic settings.
- Educate patients: Explain risks for heart disease, recovery steps, and preventive lifestyle habits.