Non-Invasive Cardiologist

What does a non-invasive cardiologist do?

A non-invasive cardiologist runs a practice helping patients to head-off potential heart problems. The average non-invasive cardiologist sees about 25-30 patients per day in the office. Non-invasive cardiologists don’t do procedures; they mainly perform diagnostic tests to spot early signs of heart problems. If the problem is treatable with diet or medication, the physician will prescribe the appropriate drug therapy or diet.

If the heart problem requires any type of surgical procedure, the non-invasive cardiologist will refer the patient to another doctor. Non-invasive cardiologists perform stress tests and electrocardiograms, popularly known as EKG’s to gage the state of your heart. Non-invasive cardiologists also carry out nuclear cardiology tests where a small amount of a radioactive dye, or tracer, is injected into a person’s bloodstream. This tracer makes it possible to take detailed pictures of the heart and the surrounding blood vessels. These nuclear images are used for diagnosing a number of heart problems.

Compensation: Seasoned non-invasive cardiologists earn roughly $400,000 per year in the United States, according to the Medical Group Management Association.

What does an invasive, non-interventional cardiologist do?

Invasive cardiologists are trained in a diagnostic procedure called cardiac catheterization, which is used to pinpoint blockages of the arteries. Broadly speaking, a non-invasive cardiologist’s time is divided between looking at patients in the clinic and the cath lab which is rigged with diagnostic imaging equipment used to support catheterization procedures.

If a heart blockage is discovered, a non-interventional cardiologist refers the patient to an expert in angioplasty or heart surgery.

Compensation: Experienced invasive, non-interventional cardiologists earn $454,000 annually, according to the Medical Group Management Association.