What is an interventional cardiologist? | Heart Surgeries …

Interventional cardiologists rank among the world's foremost authorities on cardiovascular disease and its treatment. An interventional cardiologist is a cardiologist with additional education, training, certification, and experience in minimally invasive procedures performed on the heart and arteries.

You might be referred to an interventional cardiologist for a test called an angiogram, which is used to diagnose blockages in your arteries. If tests reveal a problem, your cardiologist may recommend a procedure such as angioplasty or stenting. During angioplasty, the interventional cardiologist feeds a long, slender tube called a catheter into an artery. A balloon on the catheter opens at the site of the blockage, pushing a substance called plaque aside. Plaque builds up in arteries, eventually restricting blood flow. Angioplasty works to restore the flow of blood in the arteries. Sometimes the interventional cardiologist will also complete a stenting procedure, during which a tiny mesh tube called a stent is inserted into the artery at the angioplasty site to help keep the artery open.

An interventional cardiologist is a critical part of the care team that will be with you throughout diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention. Interventional cardiologists work closely with primary care physicians to coordinate patient cardiovascular care.

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What is an interventional cardiologist? | Heart Surgeries ...