A Day in the Life of a Cardiologist: An Interview with Dr. Arjun Mehra

What does a cardiologist really do? In this patient-friendly, interview-style article, an imaginary cardiologist explains heart disease, daily routines, and how patients can protect their cardiovascular health.

Q: Dr. Mehra, what does a typical day in the life of a cardiologist look like?

Dr. Mehra:

“No two days are identical. Each morning, I usually start early. In the morning, I take rounds around the ward and assess the patients admitted overnight, especially those with chest pain, heart attacks, and heart rhythm issues. Then I monitor the progress of patients previously admitted and record their progress to assess whether they require additional care. Then I perform the assigned surgery of the day. I usually consult patients in the evening.”

Q: When should someone see a cardiologist?

Dr. Mehra:

“It’s better to consult a cardiologist if you have any signs of discomfort or tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, breathlessness, fainting episodes. You should absolutely regularly monitor your heart condition if you have any significant risk like previous heart issues, family history of heart condition, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.”

Q: What happens during a heart attack from your perspective?

Dr. Mehra:

“A heart attack is usually the blockage of a blood vessel called a coronary artery, transporting blood to the heart. My role as a cardiologist is to identify the region where the block has occurred and to remove the block to restore the heart function. Early diagnosis could help prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the adverse effects. If the diagnosis was done late, only after the damage has been done, then surgical measures called angioplasty have to be done, where a balloon is inserted into the blood vessel to expand the vessel, and a stent is placed. This stent helps to keep the blood vessel open and allows the blood to flow unhindered. Time is of the essence. The faster we act, the more muscle tissue can be saved from irreversible damage.”

Q: What are the most common heart conditions you treat?

Dr. Mehra:

“The most common disease would be high blood pressure, known as hypertension. The other conditions I most often treat are heart attacks, congenital heart diseases, heart valve dysfunctions, atrial fibrillation, where the rhythm of the heart is irregular, and atherosclerosis, where fat builds up within the blood vessels and blocks the blood flow to the heart.”

Q: What tests do cardiologists use to diagnose heart disease?

Dr. Mehra:

"We rely on several diagnostic tools, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

• Stress testing

• Holter monitoring

• Cardiac CT or MRI

• Cardiac catheterization when necessary

Each test provides different information about heart structure and function."

Q: What do you wish patients understood about heart health?

Dr. Mehra:

"I wish patients understood how powerful lifestyle changes can be. The day you realize how modifying your lifestyle influences your health is the day you will lead a healthy life. Medication is important, but daily habits matter just as much.”
He emphasizes:

• Maintaining a balanced diet

• Engaging in regular physical activity

• Managing stress

• Getting adequate sleep

• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

• Regular monitoring and checkups

“Heart disease often develops gradually. Prevention works the same way. Small, consistent improvements."

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a cardiologist?

Dr. Mehra:

“What more can I ask for than seeing my patients’ conditions getting better? Being able to rebuild a patient’s life after a life-changing heart condition could be the best feeling to ever achieve. The satisfaction from my line of work has made me thankful and grateful for having a healthy life. The best feeling is when I identify and diagnose a patient at the earliest phase and help prevent further complications and help them lead a better life.”

Q: What advice would you give someone worried about their heart?

Dr. Mehra:

“It’s never too late to start your heart-healthy journey. Make small changes which end up becoming a life-changing habit. Be aware of your health. Don’t ignore early symptoms. Chest pain, unusual breathlessness, or fainting should always be evaluated. And even if you feel well, know your numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar. Monitor them regularly even if they end up normal. Early awareness changes outcome.”

The Takeaway: Understanding What a Cardiologist Does

A day in the life of a cardiologist involves:

• Diagnosing heart conditions

• Managing cardiovascular disease

• Performing urgent procedures

• Interpreting advanced cardiac tests

• Educating patients on prevention

Most importantly, cardiology is a partnership between doctor and patient.

Your heart works continuously. Protecting it requires attention, knowledge, and action. A cardiologist’s job is not only to treat disease but to guide you toward lifelong cardiovascular health.