What is the difference between cardiologists and cardiothoracics?

Cardiologists and cardio-thoracic surgeons play different and equal important roles in the care of a patient with Heart Disease.

Cardiologists will generally handle the diagnosis and medical treatment or non-surgical methods like balloon angioplasty, coronary stents, ablation procedures or devices like pacemakers and defibrillators.

Cardio-thoracic surgeons will handle bypass surgery and surgical valve replacement procedures.

After surgery, the patient will usually follow-up with a cardiologist long term once released by the surgeon. Some newer procedures actually involve the talents of both cardiologists and cardio-thoracic surgery such a TAVR or percutaneous valve replacement procedures.