There are two
subspecialties within cardiology.
Invasive cardiology includes cardiac catherization, angioplasty, valvuloplasty, atherectomies, and restenosis. The first two are probably the most common procedures performed.
Non-Invasive cardiology does not involve penetration into the body. While a technician can perform a procedure, only the cardiologist is qualified to interpret the results and determine an appropriate diagnosis.
Typical procedures are:
An invasive cardiologist typically has an annual
salary that is higher than an invasive cardiologist due mainly to the risk of a patient dying during the operation, as every invasive procedure has a
risk.