Your heart is vital to your overall health, so it's essential to find a cardiologist you trust.

This doctor will become your partner in keeping your heart healthy, whether you have a specific heart condition or simply want to prioritise prevention.

But with so many cardiologists out there, how do you choose the right one?

Don't worry, this Karetrip guide will walk you through the process, helping you find the perfect cardiologist to keep your ticker ticking strong.

Different Types Of Cardiologists

You have many different options when looking to establish care with a cardiologist. The first step in finding the right cardiologist for you is to select somebody who specialises in treating your symptoms or condition.

The field of cardiovascular care has many specialties and subspecialties, which means there are many different types of cardiologists:

General Cardiologist

General cardiologists are those physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of the heart and circulatory system.

Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Cardiothoracic surgeons are physicians who perform surgical procedures on the heart, lungs, and chest.

Electrophysiologists

Electrophysiologists are physicians who are experts in cardiac rhythm and may diagnose and treat heart rhythm abnormalities.

Interventional Cardiologists

Interventional cardiologists are those physicians who specialise in minimally invasive catheter-based procedures to treat blocked blood vessels in the heart.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Cardiologists

Adult congenital heart disease cardiologists are those physicians who treat individuals living with congenital heart disease.

Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologists

Heart failure and transplant cardiologists are physicians who specialise in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring individuals with advanced heart failure, including heart transplant candidates and recipients.

Vascular physicians and surgeons treat problems in the circulatory system outside the chest. For example, clogged blood vessels are a common reason individuals seek cardiology care. For this reason, cardiologists work closely with vascular specialists, and your primary healthcare provider may refer you to physicians in both specialties for the same condition.

Choosing the Right Cardiologist:

Credentials and Experience: Ensure the cardiologist is board-certified in cardiology. Board certification indicates they have completed specialised training and passed rigorous exams. Experience treating conditions similar to yours is also a plus.

Location and Availability: Consider a cardiologist conveniently located and with appointment times that fit your schedule. Think about how often you might need appointments and if travel is a significant burden.

Insurance Coverage: Verify the cardiologist is in-network with your insurance plan. Out-of-network care can result in higher costs.

Hospital Affiliation: If you have a preference for a specific hospital, choose a cardiologist with admitting privileges there. This can streamline care if hospitalisation becomes necessary.

Communication Style: It's vital to feel comfortable with your cardiologist's communication style. Do they explain things clearly? Do they answer your questions thoroughly? Find someone you feel you can openly discuss your health concerns

Top Cardiologists In India

Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Bangalore

Meet Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, a renowned figure in Bangalore's medical landscape. With over 35 years of experience and a prestigious MBBS, MS, FRCS (Royal College of Surgeons of England) qualification, he stands as the Founder, Chairman, and a senior consultant cardiac surgeon at Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences.

Dr. Shetty has earned accolades such as the Padma Bhushan in 2012, showcasing his expertise in performing over 15,000 heart surgeries, including pioneering techniques like dynamic cardiomyoplasty and neonatal open-heart surgery in India.

Dr. Ashok Seth, New Delhi

Travel to New Delhi and meet Dr. Ashok Seth, an interventional cardiologist at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute.

With 38 years of experience and a string of qualifications including MBBS, MD, FRCP, MRCP, and Fellowship USA, Dr. Seth has garnered respect for his remarkable achievements.

His accolades, including Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, testify to his expertise in performing over 50,000 angiograms and 20,000 angioplasties, making him a pioneer in advanced cardiac procedures.

Dr. Naresh Trehan, Gurgaon

Visit Gurgaon and discover Dr. Naresh Trehan, a distinguished cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon. As the Founder, Chairman, Managing Director, and Chief Cardiac Surgeon at Medanta the Medicity, his credentials include MBBS, Diplomas in Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery in the USA, and over 40 years of experience.

Dr. Trehan's accolades, such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, reflect his excellence in cardiovascular surgery and heart transplants.

Dr. Ramakant Panda, Mumbai

Explore Mumbai's medical landscape and encounter Dr. Ramakant Panda, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director at Asian Heart Institute.

With over 35 years of experience and qualifications including MBBS and Fellowship in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, Dr. Panda has established himself as one of the safest surgeons with a remarkable success rate in bypass surgery.

His pioneering contributions include introducing total arterial revascularization and off-pump bypass surgery in India.

Dr. K.K Talwar, New Delhi

Delve into the expertise of Dr. K.K Talwar, Chairman at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, New Delhi. With 41 years of experience and qualifications such as M.B.B.S, M.D, and D.M, Dr.

Talwar has left an indelible mark in the field of cardiology. As the first to introduce implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and CRT in India, his contributions have been recognised with awards like the Padma Bhushan.

Dr. Purushottamlal, Noida

Head to Noida and meet Dr. Purushottamlal, Chairman at Metro Hospitals Heart Institute.

With 38 years of experience and a plethora of qualifications and awards, including the Padma Bhushan, Dr. Purushottamlal is a trailblazer in interventional cardiology.

He has pioneered numerous procedures, including non-surgical heart hole closure and diamond drilling of arteries, earning him recognition in the Limca Book of Records.

Dr. Praveen Chandra, Gurgaon

Explore Gurgaon's medical hub and encounter Dr. Praveen Chandra, Chairman of Interventional Cardiology at Medanta - The Medicity.

With over 31 years of experience and accolades like the Padma Shri, Dr. Chandra is renowned for his expertise in angioplasty and innovative procedures like percutaneous mitral valve repair.

His contributions have significantly advanced cardiac care in India.

Dr. Ajay Kaul, New Delhi

Discover Dr. Ajay Kaul, a distinguished cardiac surgeon and Chairman at BLK Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi.

With 37 years of experience and a versatile surgical spectrum, Dr. Kaul has garnered acclaim for his expertise in bypass surgery and congenital heart anomalies. His extensive surgical repertoire has positively impacted countless lives.

Dr. Tejas Patel, Ahmedabad

Explore Ahmedabad's medical landscape and meet Dr. Tejas Patel, Chairman and chief interventional cardiologist at Apex Heart Institute.

With 38 years of experience and accolades like the Padma Shri and B.C Roy Award, Dr. Patel is renowned for his proficiency in cath lab procedures and innovative cardiac interventions, contributing significantly to the advancement of cardiology.

Dr. Sandeep Attawar, Chennai

Travel to Chennai and discover Dr. Sandeep Attawar, Director at Global Hospitals. With 23 years of experience and expertise in complex heart surgeries, including robotic cardiac surgery, Dr. Attawar has earned recognition as one of India's finest surgeons.

His commitment to excellence and innovation continues to redefine cardiac care standards. Embark on this enlightening journey through India's eminent cardiac specialists, each contributing their expertise and innovation to elevate cardiac care in the country.

FAQs:

1. Do I need a referral to see a cardiologist?

While some PCPs may require a referral, it's not always necessary. Check with your insurance company for specific guidelines.

2. How often should I see a cardiologist?

The frequency depends on your individual health and risk factors. Discuss this with your PCP or cardiologist.

3. What questions should I ask a cardiologist?

Prepare questions about their experience, treatment philosophy, and approach to patient communication.