How much does a heart doctor make?

In the U.S., pay can vary with experience, board credentials, employer type, and location. A cardiologist’s subspecialty, how complex the procedures are, and hours or shifts worked can also matter.

Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.

What's a typical day like?

At a clinic, a heart doctor hears patients’ concerns, checks ECGs or heart-ultrasound results, and explains a treatment plan. In the hospital, they may visit admitted patients, respond to urgent heart problems, or perform procedures.

In the U.S., finish college and medical school, pass USMLE exams, then complete an internal-medicine residency and a cardiology fellowship. Get a state medical license and pass the ABIM heart-specialty exam; many finish in their early 30s.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.

Some newborns with heart problems need a pacemaker within days of birth; U.S. doctors helped adapt one about a quarter the size of adult models.