A professional who diagnoses and treats diseases of heart and its functions. Responsibilities include:

• Examines patient for symptoms indicative of heart disorders, using medical instruments and equipment.
• Studies diagnostic images and electrocardiograph recordings to aid in making diagnoses.
• Prescribes medications, and recommends dietary and activity program, as indicated.
• Refers patient to surgeon specializing in cardiac cases when need for corrective surgery is indicated.
• May engage in research to study anatomy of and diseases peculiar to heart.