Who is a Cardiac Surgeon? Let's find out!

When talking to your doctor about a certain heart condition, you may have heard, "This requires surgery, we'll refer you to a Cardiac Surgeon." At that time, you may have thought, "Who is this Cardiac Surgeon? How is he different from a Cardiologist ?" Although they both work on the heart , their roles are completely different. So today, let's talk about this precisely, simply.

What is the difference between a Cardiac Surgeon and a Cardiologist?

This is where many people get confused. Simply put, a Cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart disease with medication or minor interventions. However, a Cardiac Surgeon is a doctor who specializes in performing surgeries on the heart and the major blood vessels that connect it.

When you have chest pain or shortness of breath, the first thing you see is a Cardiologist. He or she will perform tests like an ECG and an Echo to determine the exact nature of your condition. Then, if the condition cannot be controlled with medication, or if surgery is necessary, he or she will refer you to a Cardiac Surgeon.

Let's look at this table to understand this difference a little more clearly.

How long does it take to study to become a Cardiac Surgeon?

This is a long and dedicated journey. After a four-year basic degree in medical school, you must complete a five to seven-year residency as a general surgeon. After that, you must complete another two to four years of additional training to specialize in heart surgery . Only after this long training does one become qualified to work as a Cardiac Surgeon.

What are the main medical conditions treated by a Cardiac Surgeon?

A cardiac surgeon treats a variety of complex heart conditions through surgery. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Coronary Artery Blockage

This is a very common condition. The blood vessels that supply blood to our heart (coronary arteries) are narrowed by the build-up of cholesterol and fat (plaque). When this blockage increases, the amount of blood that reaches the heart decreases, which can lead to a heart attack .

Sometimes your doctor can detect these blockages before a heart attack occurs. He or she may refer you to a cardiac surgeon for something like bypass surgery.

However, some people only find out they have this condition after a heart attack. If you have the following symptoms, seek medical advice immediately or go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

Heart Valve Disease

The four valves in our heart only allow blood to flow in one direction. Like a door. But these valves can have various defects. Some are congenital. Some develop later due to infections or other causes.

• Stenosis: This is when the valve leaflets become thickened and stiff, narrowing the valve. This restricts blood flow .
• Prolapse and Regurgitation: This is when the valve does not close properly, causing some blood to leak backward. This is called `(Regurgitation)`.
• Atresia: This is a congenital defect in which the valve does not open, but forms a continuous membrane.

In these situations, a cardiac surgeon can repair the valve or replace it with a new one.

Aortic Aneurysm (weakening of the wall of the aorta)

The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm is when the wall of the aorta becomes weak and bulges like a balloon. It's like a weak sidewall on a car tire. This is very dangerous because the bulge can burst. If that happens, blood will start to leak into the body. This is a condition that requires emergency surgery.

Heart Failure

This is when the heart muscle becomes weak and is unable to pump enough blood to the body. This condition can be caused by many factors, such as high blood pressure and blocked arteries. In some cases, it can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medication. However, in severe cases, the intervention of a cardiac surgeon is required, even going as far as a heart transplant.

Heart Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat can occur due to a problem with the electrical impulses in the heart. This means that the heart rate can be too slow, too fast, or irregular. This does not always require surgery. However, in some severe cases, a device such as a pacemaker or an implantable defibrillator may need to be surgically implanted to keep the heart beating at a normal rhythm. This is done by a cardiac surgeon.

Why should you see a Cardiac Surgeon?

Typically, you will not see a Cardiac Surgeon directly. You will be referred to one by your Cardiologist. This referral will only occur after your condition has been diagnosed and surgery has been determined to be necessary.