What do you call a doctor who specializes in treating the heart?

A doctor who specializes in treating the heart is called a cardiologist. Cardiology is the branch of medicine concerned with the heart and circulatory system, including blood vessels and conditions that affect how the heart functions.

Cardiologists diagnose and manage problems such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, heart-valve disease, and congenital heart conditions. They may use tests including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac imaging to evaluate a patient’s cardiovascular health.

Cardiologists are different from cardiac surgeons. A cardiologist generally treats heart disease with medicines, monitoring, catheter-based procedures, and lifestyle recommendations. A cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgeon performs operations such as bypass surgery or heart-valve replacement. Some cardiologists receive additional training in specialties such as electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, or care for children with heart disease.

The word comes from Greek roots: kardia means “heart,” and -logy refers to study or knowledge. Although people often use “heart doctor” informally, cardiologist is the precise professional term for this medical specialty.