AIIMS Delhi
- Exams: INI CET
Cardiology is a specialization in the branch of internal medicine dealing with disorders of the heart and the circulatory system. The subject deals with various ailments like genetic heart defects, CAD (Coronary Artery Disease), heart failure, disorders of the valves present in the heart, hypertension, etc. Physicians practising in the field of cardiology are known as cardiologists.
Cardiology is a lucrative course studied at postgraduate level. Individuals can study MD (Doctor of Medicine) in cardiology or MS (Master of Surgery) in cardiology or more specifically in cardiothoracic surgery. There is no specific undergraduate course for cardiology but one should complete their 5.5 years of M.B.B.S. for being eligible to enrol in the postgraduate courses of cardiology. After post-graduation, one can study cardiology further as a super specialization. DM cardiology (Doctor of Medicine cardiology) is a post-doctoral course of cardiology one can study after completion of post-graduation in cardiology, general medicine, or paediatrics.
Admission into MBBS requires an aggregate of 50% in physics, chemistry, biology and English in the 10+2 board exam or any equivalent exam for general category students to be eligible for the course. For the reserved category students, an aggregate of 40% in physics, chemistry, biology and English is required in 10+2 or an equivalent exam. The candidate must be seventeen years of age or above before 31st December of the current year.
MBBS graduates willing to take up cardiology in the postgraduate level need to have a score of 50% in the aggregate in graduation. This is applicable for students belonging to the general category. For the reserved category, an aggregate of 40% in M.B.B.S. or an equivalent exam is required for being eligible for the courses.
The eligibility criterion for doctoral courses and super specialization courses is an aggregate of 50% in the post-graduation for the general category individuals and 40% for reserved category individuals.
For admission into a postgraduate diploma in cardiology, one needs to have completed their graduation in M.B.B.S.
Entrance Examinations for Cardiology Courses (UG and PG)
Entrance examinations are different for different courses and level one is pursuing. For admission in M.B.B.S. one needs to essentially qualify the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test- Undergraduate) which is the only all India based entrance examination for entry to medical colleges at the undergraduate level. Admission in M.D, M.S and DNB are by qualifying for the NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Post Graduate). There are other postgraduate examinations like the AIIMS PG medical field and entrance examination, PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) examination, Christian Medical College Vellore PG Medical entrance examination, JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research) entrance examination, etc. Admission into both MD Cardiology and then PhD in cardiology is completely merit-based. This is followed by a round of group discussion and personal interview.
Cardiology, as a course, in India is in high demand. It is popular amongst aspirants for the high scopes and salary. India approximately has 30 million heart patients every year. According to surveys, there is an ever-growing demand for cardiology courses among budding doctors doing their MBBS in medical colleges across the country. One can start their career with the government institutions which have adequate job security. Individuals can serve as visiting doctors in hospitals and charge on an hourly basis. They can also set up their private clinics and be a roaring practitioner. Postgraduates are hired in various departments like the research department, the teaching department, etc.
Globally, individuals are affected by heart diseases due to changing patterns of lifestyle. Heart ailments like hypertension are now found in 1.13 billion people, a percentage that forms two-third of the world population. No wonder cardiologists have flourishing scopes and opportunities in every part of the world. Organizations like the WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF, Red Cross and smaller but well-known NGOs are also there that offer unique opportunities to qualified cardiologists.
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The following subjects are to be studied in the cardiology course at postgraduate level-
Fundamentals of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiac molecular biology
Cardiac biochemistry
Cardiac pharmacology
Cardiac anatomy
Cardiac physiology
Imagine techniques of the heart
Nuclear cardiology
Preventive cardiology and epidemiology
Cardiac pathology
Cardiac microbiology
Pediatric cardiology
Coronary artery Diseases
Cardiac arrhythmias
Heart failure
Pericardial diseases
Congenital heart diseases
Rheumatic heart disease
Heart muscle diseases
Pulmonary thromboembolism and pulmonary hypertension
Systemic hypertension
Heart muscle diseases
Tumours of the heart
Geriatric heart diseases
Genetics
General anaesthesia
Traumatic heart disease
Non- Invasive techniques in cardiology
Invasive cardiology
Job prospects in cardiology vary according to the degrees and levels stated above. After completion of MD in cardiology, individuals can work as physicians in government or private hospitals. Those holding the degree of MS in cardiothoracic surgery usually work in hospitals and operate patients with acute cardiothoracic problems. After completion of post-graduation in cardiology, one can also sit for the UPSC examinations which are for the civil service professions. Railways, state medical colleges, defence sector, etc are promising areas providing jobs to cardiologists. An individual can start their private practice as well after gaining relevant years of experience.
After completing DM or PhD in cardiology, one can get into the research field. They can also get into the teaching profession by becoming medical professors and lecturers.
For detailed information on specific jobs in cardiology, scroll down.
The developments in the field of medical science and especially cardiology have completely changed the cardiology infrastructure. With digital stethoscopes to safer anti-clot drugs coming into play, the treatment has become much more patient and doctor friendly. Digital stethoscopes are extremely sensitive and detect any turbulent blood flow in the arteries which have made it easier for doctors to detect coronary artery disease. Safer anti-clot drugs do not impose life threats or side effects on the patient. New ways to lower cholesterol is under research.
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are technologies now being used effectively for diagnosing and treating ailments. Telemedicine, microbots, automated labs are few other technologies which are currently changing the global infrastructure of healthcare.
Some desirable job profiles for cardiologists are:
Cardiologist in the government health sector- An individual can practise as a physician or surgeon in a government hospital.
Cardiologists in the private health sector- One can get empanelled as a physician or cardiac/cardiothoracic surgeon in a private hospital(s)- visiting or full-time or start his own private practice.
Public health research analyst (cardiology)- These health experts provide effective solutions for community-level health problems- in this case, focused on heart diseases.
Emergency response officers- Emergency response officers (EROs) are doctors who are trained to give the first-line treatment in any emergency situation, in this case, cardiac arrest or heart failure.
Junior resident cardiologists- They are responsible for diagnosing the cardiovascular and pulmonary ailments.
Senior resident cardiologists- They are responsible for performing an electrocardiogram, electrocardiography, Holter-monitoring, etc.
Scientists (cardiology)- They conduct in-depth research on cardiac health and novel treatment protocols.
Professor of cardiology- PhD holders in cardiology and expert practitioners who teach MBBS and MD students in medical colleges.
The major recruiters in the field of cardiology are:
Indian Council of Medical Research
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science)
Indian Railway Medical Services
Military healthcare hospitals/institutes
State Public Service Commission
Government hospitals
National Rural Health Mission
Government medical colleges
Private hospitals
Some of the top cardiology hospitals (private) in India are:
Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai
BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
Medanta, The Medicity
Apollo Hospitals
Jaypee Hospital
Max Healthcare Hospitals
RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences
Artemis Hospital
Narayana Hrudayalaya
Sakra World Hospital
Wockhardt Hospitals
Global Hospitals
Cardiology is an extremely popular course amongst its aspirants. Cardiology ensures an epitome of career satisfaction and service to mankind. Though a long course which may be up to 10-11 years, cardiology is a budding medical profession. With sheer perseverance and hard work, one can definitely become a successful cardiologist.
The salary of individuals holding postgraduate degrees in cardiology ranges from Rs. 2-20 lakhs per annum depending upon the field one has expertise in. Those having an MD in cardiology have their income ranging from Rs. 2-16 lakhs per annum. Individuals who are into private practice and/or associated with reputed private hospitals or health care organizations have a comparatively higher income. Individuals holding an MS degree in cardiothoracic surgery have their salaries ranging from Rs. 3-12 lakhs per annum. Individuals with DNB and DM degrees in cardiology have their annual income ranging from Rs. 6-30 lakhs. With a PhD in cardiology, individuals have a pay scale between Rs. 1.5- 2 lakh per month.
Knowledge in the subject- Having enough knowledge is vital for the field of cardiology. Poor knowledge and overconfidence are harmful and dangerous for the patient. Cardiologists should always be eager to learn new things.
Confidence- Confidence is extremely important for being a successful cardiologist. The stream deals with extreme complications of one of the most vital human organs, the heart and without confidence it is impossible for one to establish a career as a cardiologist.
Patience and focus: Cardiothoracic surgeries are of extremely long durations. So, cardiologists must be very patient and focused while conducting an operation.
Life balance- A good life balance enables one to give their maximum optimum work output. Good quality life prevents fatigue and one doesn’t feel burned out. This is important for the physician as well as the patients.
Strong listening ability- Doctors must be good listeners for developing a connection with the patients and other staff members in their workplace.
Prioritizing patients- For any doctor, it is important that they put their patients first. This ensures that the patients are treated with care.
Time management- This skill develops slowly and is imperative to any profession. This is a skill that comes with experience
Analytical skills- Analytical skills are essential for a cardiologist or any medical specialist for that matter. They should be able to analyze the ailments and treat the patients accordingly.
Fundamentals of cardiovascular diseases
Principles of drug therapy
Clinical decision making in clinical cardiology
Global problems of cardiovascular diseases
Heart diseases in a varied population
Economics and cardiovascular diseases
Measurement and improvement of the quality of cardiovascular care
Nuclear cardiology
Molecular biology
Molecular basis of cellular growth
Recombinant DNA technology and PCR techniques
Principles of molecular biology and Gene structure
Expression and regulation of genes
Future implications of human genome for cardiology including genetic counselling and bioethical implications
Blood vessels and their molecular and cellular biology including genetics of the endothelial cell layer, interactions of vascular smooth muscle, atherosclerosis, etc.
Genetics of the normal, failing and hypertrophied heart, molecular basis of cardiac growth and hypertrophy.
The electrocardiogram
Cardiac ultrasound
Cardiac magnetic resonance
Cardiothoracic computed tomography
Preventive cardiology
Systemic hypertension
Risk factors for atherothrombotic diseases
The vascular biology of atherosclerosis
Nutrition and cardiovascular diseases
Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular diseases
Metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis vascular disease
Primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease
Comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease
Cardiac anatomy
Coronary circulation
Development of heart and blood vessels
Foetal circulation in postnatal life
Arteries and veins- histology
Functional anatomy of the heart
Cardiac embryology and histology
The orientation of the heart within the thorax
Methods used in cardiac anatomy and correlative anatomy
Quantum computing and ultrasound of the heart
Cardiac physiology
Cardiac cycle and changes during normal function of the heart, myocardial contractility, cardiac output, pressure changes in the cardiac chamber, regulation of cardiac function, regulation of blood flow, cardiac reflexes, coronary blood flow, physiology of blood pressure regulation, action potential, cellular basis of cardiac contraction, etc.
Cardiac pathology
Cardiomyopathies
Cyanotic and acyanotic atherosclerosis
Coronary artery disease
Cardiac involvement in systemic diseases and storage disorders
Pathological changes occurring in various cardiac ailments having a relevant clinical correlation
Pathogenesis and pathology of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease
Dilated hypertrophic and obliterative/restrictive congenital diseases
Cardiac biochemistry
All aspects related to normal and abnormal patterns of cardiac biochemistry including enzymes, metabolism, electrolytes and their effects on cardiac function.
Cardiac pharmacology
Antihypertensive drugs
Antiarrhythmic drugs
Beta blocking agents
Anti Failure agents like diuretics
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Acute inotropic and inotropic disorders
Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocking Drugs (ARBs) and aldosterone antagonism
Nitrates and calcium channel blockers
Cardiac failure
Cardiac transplantation
Diagnosis of heart failure and its management
Diagnosis of heart failure and its pathophysiology
Coronary artery disease
Coronary blood flow and myocardial ischemia
Atherogenesis and its determinants
The electrocardiogram in acute myocardial infarction
Congenital heart disease and other pediatric cardiac disorders
Dyslipidemia, other risk factors and the prevention of coronary heart disease
Thrombogenesis, antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy
Pathology of coronary atherosclerosis
Rehabilitation of the patient with coronary artery disease
Diagnosis and management of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease
Pathology of coronary atherosclerosis
Diagnosis and management of patients with unstable angina
Non-atherosclerosis coronary heart disease
Diagnosis and structured management of acute myocardial infarction
Systemic arterial hypertension
Hypertension and epidemiology
Diagnosis and treatment
Pathophysiology
Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary disease
Pulmonary embolism
Chronic Cor pulmonale
Pulmonary hypertension
Rhythm and conduction disturbances
Recognition
Mechanism of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances
Clinical assessment and management of arrhythmias and related drugs
Syncope, sudden death and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
Sudden cardiac death
Diagnosis and management of syncope
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and subsequent management of patients.
Valvular diseases of the heart
Aortic valve disease
Acute rheumatic fever
Tricuspid valve
Mitral valve prolapse syndrome and other diseases
Pulmonic and multivalvular disease
Clinical performance of prosthetic heart valves
Congenital heart diseases
Pathology and pathophysiology
Genetic abnormalities
Recognition and treatment of congenital heart diseases
Pericardial diseases and endocarditis
Infective endocarditis
Diseases in the pericardium
Cardiomyopathy and specific heart muscle diseases
Electricity, poisons, radiation and heart
Effect of non-cardiac drugs
AIDS and cardiovascular system
Cardiomyopathies
Endocrine diseases and alcohol
Miscellaneous diseases and conditions
The connective tissue diseases and the cardiovascular system
Cardiac trauma
Neoplastic heart disease
Tumours of heart
Geriatric heart disease
Cardiac rehabilitation
Sports and heart disease
Heart disease and pregnancy
Heart obesity
Traumatic heart disease
Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Heart and obesity
Heart and kidney disease
General anaesthesia and non-cardiac surgery in patients
Acute hemodynamics conditioning training the athlete's heart
Effects of anxiety disorders on heart
Occupational and regulatory aspects of heart diseases
Tropical cardiology
Rheumatic heart disease
Aortoarteritis
Endomyocardial fibrosis
Eosinophilic heart disease
Diseases of the great and peripheral vessels
Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the aorta
Diagnosis and structured management of patients with peripheral arterial and vein diseases
Surgical treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, etc.
Cerebrovascular disease and neurologic manifestations of heart disease
Answer :
The complete cost of becoming a cardiologist varies from college to college. If someone is pursuing a cardiology course in a government institute, the course fee is usually minimal which at the undergraduate level ranges from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000 per year and post-graduation level from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 20,000 per year. Private colleges have their fees on the higher end which extends up to Rs. 50 lakhs at the undergraduate level to Rs. 20 lakhs at postgraduate level.
Answer :
It takes almost ten years to thirteen years to become a certified cardiologist in India. The undergraduate course comprises 5.5 years; the post-graduation requires a minimum of three years, which is followed by a few years of practice for becoming a certified and experienced cardiologist.
Answer :
To study cardiology as a post-graduation course, one should have completed their 5.5 years MBBS course. They should have the required marks according to their category for being eligible for the course. At super specialization and post-doctoral level, individuals should have completed their post-graduation with the required marks according to their category. They should either have completed MD in cardiology or MS in cardiothoracic surgery.
Answer :
Cardiology is one of the most flourishing specialization courses in the medical field because of it’s high demand among aspirants. Cardiologists are paid high salaries and employed in reputable organizations. Individuals can practice as surgeons or medical specialists in public and private sectors and can join the teaching or research field.
Answer :
M.D in cardiology or Doctor of Medicine in cardiology is a non-surgical post-graduation course of cardiology whereas M.S. in cardiology or Master of Surgery in cardiothoracic surgery is a surgical post-graduation course where individuals specialize in cardiothoracic surgery.
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