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- The Beat | August 2025
The Beat | August 2025
Patient Education by Vasculearn Network
Courtney Battaglia
August 15, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 16 minutes
Table of Contents
Heart and Vascular Care: Who Treats What?
Knowing who to see for a heart or vascular condition isn’t always straightforward. Today’s healthcare system has a wide range of providers, most of whom focus on specific areas of care. According to a national study published in 2023, about 63% of physicians work in medical or surgical specialties, while only about 37% practice in primary care. With so many specialists, it can be hard to know where to start.
Types of Clinicians You Might See
If you have a heart or vascular condition, your care team may include more than one of these specialists, depending on your symptoms or diagnosis. Many heart and vascular teams also include nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) who support day-to-day care, answer questions, and help coordinate follow-up.
Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Your PCP is usually the first person you see for any new health concern. PCPs check symptoms, help manage risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol, and coordinate care. They may refer you to a cardiologist or other specialist if your condition is complex or if you need tests or treatments they don’t provide.
Cardiologist
A cardiologist treats problems with the heart and major blood vessels, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythms, valve disorders, and recovery after a heart attack. They manage more complex cases, order and interpret specialized tests, and adjust treatment plans when symptoms are hard to control. Cardiologists often collaborate with PCPs and other specialists to plan for long-term or more advanced heart care.
Vascular Medicine Specialist or Vascular Surgeon
Vascular medicine specialists focus on treating blood vessel problems outside the heart and brain. Many are cardiologists or internists with extra training in vascular medicine. They work to find the cause of a condition, manage risk factors, and provide nonsurgical treatment. While they don’t perform surgery themselves, they may help coordinate it if needed.
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People with conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) or blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) may see a vascular medicine specialist for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
Vascular surgeons do procedures like stents, bypass surgery, or repairs inside blood vessels to help with blood flow. They handle both medical and surgical care, especially when symptoms are severe
Both vascular medicine specialists and vascular surgeons also help patients manage risk factors through lifestyle guidance, medication management, and follow-up care.
Electrophysiologist
Cardiologists who specialize in heart rhythm problems, or arrhythmias, are called electrophysiologists (EPs). Arrhythmias include a heartbeat that’s too fast, too slow, or irregular, like atrial fibrillation. EPs may use medications, procedures like catheter ablation, or implantable devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators to help manage your heartbeat and keep it steady. You may see an EP if you have fainting, dizziness, or heart palpitations that are hard to explain or manage. EPs often work with other heart doctors for more complex cases.
Interventional Cardiologist
An interventional cardiologist treats blocked arteries, valve problems, and sometimes PAD using minimally invasive procedures. They use a thin tube (catheter) inserted through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin to treat narrowed arteries, so open-heart surgery isn’t needed. You might see this type of specialist for a heart attack, chest pain, valve problems, or PAD that isn’t improving with medicine.
Common procedures include inserting stents and transcatheter valve replacement—a way to replace a heart valve using a catheter instead of open surgery. Unlike vascular surgeons, who can do both open and minimally invasive surgery, interventional cardiologists focus on catheter-based treatments, mainly for the heart.
Heart Failure Specialist
A heart failure specialist is a cardiologist with extra training in treating complex or advanced heart failure.
 | They help find the cause, adjust medications to help your heart pump more effectively, and decide if you need more advanced care, like a heart pump or a transplant. People often see a heart failure specialist if symptoms worsen despite treatment, if hospital visits occur more often, or if tests or treatments are needed beyond what a general cardiologist provides. |
Pulmonologist
A pulmonologist specializes in treating lung and breathing problems. They also help manage conditions that affect the blood vessels in the lungs, like pulmonary hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)—a type of high blood pressure in the lungs caused by blood clots that don’t fully dissolve. These conditions can make it harder to breathe and put strain on your heart. Pulmonologists often work together with cardiologists to help manage these problems.
Curious who treats blood clots?
In addition to the specialists mentioned above, hematologists and interventional radiologists are often involved in blood clot care.
Want to learn more?
View our full guide to the different specialists who may be part of your care team.
How to Choose the Right Specialist for You
Start with your PCP. They know your medical history and can help refer you to specialists based on your symptoms or diagnosis.
Check your insurance coverage. Use your health plan’s directory or website to find in-network specialists. This can help you avoid surprise bills.
Check credentials. Make sure the clinician is board certified in their specialty. Certification shows they’ve met national standards.
Ask about experience. If you’ve been told you may need a procedure or have a complex diagnosis, it’s okay to ask the specialist how often they’ve treated cases like yours.
Consider communication style. Choose someone who listens, explains things clearly, and answers your questions. Check the provider's bio, online reviews, or call the office—friendly staff can be a good sign for a positive environment. Recommendations from friends or support groups can also help.
Consider access. Check how soon you can get an appointment, how far you’ll need to travel, and if the clinician offers offer virtual visits.
Get a second opinion if needed. Not sure about a diagnosis or treatment plan? Getting a second opinion is a smart step, especially for major health decisions.
Did You Know?
Some larger medical centers in the U.S. offer heart and vascular programs where specialists like cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and electrophysiologists work together as a team. These programs can be especially helpful if your condition is complex or involves both the heart and blood vessels.
Not sure where to look (in the U.S.)?
• Ask your primary care provider for a referral
• Use Medicare’s Care Compare tool to search for hospitals and specialty programs
• Search the Society for Vascular Medicine’s directory to find vascular medicine specialists near you
If you live outside the U.S., check with your local healthcare system or national health service to learn more about available specialist programs.
Real Talk in the Barbershop: A New Video Series on Men’s Health
When real conversations about men’s health happen where trust already lives
Barbershop Talks is our new video series that brings honest, peer-to peer conversations about health straight to the barber chair. Research has shown that bringing health discussions into trusted community spaces, like barbershops, can help improve health outcomes.
Led by LaVon Woodard—a master barber, business owner, and patient advisor on our Medical Advisory Board who lives with vascular disease—each episode features real conversations about cardiovascular disease and what really stands in the way of staying healthy. LaVon and his clients cover everything from high blood pressure and cholesterol to blood clots, diabetes, and nutrition. They also discuss how to navigate a healthcare system that doesn’t always feel trustworthy, and the steps men can take to protect their health. For many men, especially those in underserved communities, the barbershop has always been more than just a place for a haircut. It’s a respected space to talk, share, and support each other. |  LaVon at VonDre Barbershop |
Barbershop Talks builds on that tradition to:
Raise awareness with clear, culturally relevant education on vascular health and prevention.
Raise awareness with clear, culturally relevant education on vascular health and prevention.
Build trust through open, judgment-free conversations and peer connection.
Encourage action by helping men take charge of their health through screenings, lifestyle changes, and better communication with their medical team.
Foster community to remind men they’re not alone in this journey. LaVon’s chair is opening soon—and so is the conversation.
LaVon and client Anthony
Join us, listen in, and share. Together, we can help more men feel informed, supported, and ready to take the next step toward better health. Stay tuned for our first episode launching August 20th, exclusively from VLN.
In Case You Missed It: Could Artificial Sweeteners Raise Clot Risk?
 | There’s been a lot of buzz about artificial sweeteners and blood clots lately—and VLN has been right in the middle of it. We dug into one sweetener that shows up in many keto-friendly and sugar-free foods. Some research suggests that high levels of this sweetener in the blood could raise clot risk, especially for people with other cardiovascular or clotting risk factors. |
But are all sweeteners the same? Are there any safe options out there?
Not all sugar substitutes work the same way in the body, and the science isn’t settled yet. If you missed this article, now’s a great time to catch up. Find out what the evidence says, what experts recommend, and how to make safer choices for your health.
Read the full article on our website.
Upcoming Patient Events
Blood Clot Support Group
Hosted by Joelle Hochman, RRT, Chair of Patient Engagement & Education
After experiencing a blood clot, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. Many people are left feeling confused about why this happened to them and are anxious about it happening again. We’re pleased to offer a support group experience where patients can share their stories, connect with others who’ve had blood clots, and receive emotional support. |  |
Long-PE and CTEPH Support Group (Quarterly)
 | Have you or someone you care for experienced a pulmonary embolism (PE)? |
This group provides a safe space to connect with others, receive support, and learn more about managing life after PE. Each session includes introductions and a Q&A with a clinician.
Women's Support Group (Quarterly)
We at VLN understand the unique heart health challenges that women face throughout their lives. Women have distinct risk factors from men and may experience unique issues related to heart and blood vessel conditions— including heavy periods, spotting between cycles, bleeding complications when taking blood thinners, pregnancy-related vascular changes, and hormone-related concerns. |  |
VLN's quarterly support group is a welcoming space for women of all ages to connect, share experiences, and find strength together as they navigate their heart health journey.
Ask the Expert
 | Our Ask the Expert series, formerly called Blood Clot Education Group, is a space to connect with others and learn about all things related to blood clots and overall vascular health. |
Get accurate information on the latest research and treatments, and share your experiences.
Do you like what you see in The Beat and find this information helpful? Please consider making a small donation to VLN to further support blood clot education.
References
Bass TA, Abbott JD, Mahmud E, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/SCAI advanced training statement on interventional cardiology (coronary, peripheral vascular, and structural heart interventions): a report of the ACC Competency Management Committee. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023;81(14):1385-1431. doi:10.1161/HCV.0000000000000088
Calligaro KD, Amankwah KS, D’Ayala M, Sarac TP, Shutze WP, Webb TH. Guidelines for hospital privileges in vascular surgery and endovascular interventions: Recommendations of the Society for Vascular Surgery. J Vasc Surg. 2018;67(5):1337-1344.
Cannata A, Mizani MA, Bromage DI, et al. Heart failure specialist care and long-term outcomes for patients admitted with acute heart failure. JACC Heart Fail. 2025;13(3):402-413. doi:10.1016/j.jchf.2024.06.013
Choosing a primary care provider. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001939.htm. Updated January 30, 2024. Accessed July 28, 2025.
Damani DN, Beckman JA, Gray B, Hamburg NM, Levy MS, Gornik HL. Vascular Medicine Patient Information Page: What is a vascular medicine specialist? Vascular Medicine. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/1358863X251343051
Fernandes CJ, Steigner ML, Piazza G, Goldhaber SZ. Collaborative cardiology and pulmonary management of pulmonary hypertension. Chest. 2019;156(2):200‑202. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2019.04.099
Kusumoto FM, Schoenfeld MH, Barrett C, et al. 2018 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline on the evaluation and management of patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction delay: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;74(7):e51-e156.
Rotenstein LS, Apathy N, Edgman-Levitan S, Landon B. Comparison of work patterns between physicians and advanced practice practitioners in primary care and specialty practice settings. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(6):e2318061. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.18061
What is a cardiologist? CardioSmart. https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/manage-your-care/your-care-team/what-is-a-cardiologist. Accessed July 28, 2025.
Victor RG, Lynch K, Li N, et al. A cluster-randomized trial of blood-pressure reduction in Black barbershops. N Engl J Med. 2018;378(14):1291-1301. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1717250
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