Choosing a Heart Specialist

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The heart doctors at our nationally ranked heart hospital have advanced training and experience in treating specific types of heart disease. Many of our providers work only with certain patient populations, so they are experts in their fields. Depending on your heart condition and circumstances, you may see one or more of these heart specialists.

Duke Heart Doctors
Meet our cardiologists, heart surgeons, and other heart specialists who can help you manage your heart disease.

Cardiologist
A doctor who recommends medicines, lifestyle changes, and procedures to help you control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other factors that put you at risk for a heart attack. Your cardiologist will also coordinate your care with other specialists -- for example, if you need surgery or have a medical condition such as diabetes or a genetic concern that increases your risk for heart disease.

Heart Surgeon, Thoracic Surgeon
A surgeon who performs cardiac surgery to treat coronary artery disease and aortic, mitral, or other heart valve disease; implants ventricular assist devices (VADs); and performs heart transplant surgery

Interventional Cardiologist
A cardiologist specially trained in catheter-based procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, vascular disease, and valve disease.

Electrophysiologist
A cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating electrical and conduction problems that may cause arrhythmias. Electrophysiologists perform procedures such as cardiac ablation and pacemaker and defibrillator implantation.

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Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Cardiologist
A cardiologist who works with people who have heart failure and need long-term care or advanced surgical intervention, such as a ventricular assist device (VAD) or heart transplant

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Expert
A doctor who treats adults born with congenital heart defects that involve heart chambers, heart valves, or major blood vessels.

Genetic Heart Disease Expert
A doctor who diagnoses and manages inherited heart disease and coordinates your care with genetic counselors if you carry a gene that may increase your risk for heart disease.

Heart Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation Specialists
Our heart disease prevention cardiologists evaluate your risk for heart disease and work with you to establish lasting, heart-healthy lifestyle changes to lower or eliminate that risk. For those who have recently experienced a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, or are recovering from heart surgery, our rehabilitation team helps you rebuild your health and well-being through medically supervised exercise and lifestyle management programs.

Best Heart Hospital in North Carolina

When it comes to your heart care, you want the very best. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our cardiology and heart surgery program is nationally ranked, and the highest-ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025.