What a cardiologist does
A cardiologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels. After MBBS, a cardiologist completes an MD or DNB in medicine and then super-specialty training (DM or DNB in Cardiology), which usually adds up to about ten years of study. Heart disease is among the leading causes of death in India, and it often appears a decade earlier in Indians than in many Western countries, so knowing when to see a heart specialist can make a real difference.
Cardiologists manage a wide range of problems, from high blood pressure and high cholesterol to heart attacks, heart failure, rhythm disorders and valve disease. Interventional cardiologists perform angiography and angioplasty with stents, while electrophysiologists treat rhythm problems with pacemakers and ablation. Paediatric cardiologists look after heart conditions present from birth.
Symptoms that need a heart check
- Chest pain, pressure or heaviness, especially with effort or stress.
- Breathlessness on climbing stairs or lying flat, or waking at night short of breath.
- Palpitations, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or episodes of dizziness and fainting.
- Swelling of the ankles and feet, or unexplained fatigue.
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, with sweating or nausea — an emergency; call 108 immediately.
You should also consider a visit if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, a smoking habit or a family history of early heart disease, even without symptoms.
Common conditions a cardiologist treats
These include coronary artery disease and angina, heart attack, hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, valve disorders such as mitral stenosis (often after rheumatic fever), cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease. Cardiologists also guide prevention after a heart attack, including medicines, diet, exercise and cardiac rehabilitation.
Tests you may be advised
A first visit usually includes blood pressure, pulse and an examination, followed by tests chosen to your symptoms: an ECG, echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), treadmill test (TMT), Holter monitoring, and blood tests such as a lipid profile, HbA1c, troponin and NT-proBNP. If a blockage is suspected, a CT coronary angiogram or catheter angiography may follow. Many people begin with a preventive heart health package.
What does a consultation cost?
Consultation fees for a cardiologist in India commonly range from roughly ₹600 to ₹2,000, depending on the city, hospital and the doctor's experience, and may vary. Tests and procedures are charged separately, and costs for angioplasty or bypass surgery vary widely by hospital and city. Always ask for an estimate before treatment and check insurance or Ayushman Bharat coverage.
How to choose a cardiologist
- Check qualifications (DM/DNB Cardiology) and registration with the medical council.
- Look for experience with your specific problem — for example an interventional cardiologist for blockages or an electrophysiologist for rhythm problems.
- Prefer hospitals with a cath lab, ICU and emergency cardiac care when risk is high.
- Read patient reviews for communication and follow-up quality, and ask whether a second opinion is available before major procedures.
Online and in-clinic consultation
Follow-up of blood pressure, medicines and test reports can often be done by video consultation, but chest pain, fainting or a new breathless episode needs in-person assessment. On Lab Dekho you can compare cardiologists by experience, fees and availability and book an in-clinic or online slot.
Living heart-healthy
Most heart disease is influenced by lifestyle. Aim for 150 minutes of brisk activity a week, limit salt, sugar and fried food, quit tobacco, keep weight in a healthy range, control diabetes and blood pressure and have your cholesterol checked regularly. Take prescribed medicines such as aspirin, statins or blood-pressure tablets exactly as directed and never stop them without advice.
Trusted References
This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.