In this age of physical fitness, “cardiovascular” has become a commonly used term, as in “cardiovascular exercise,” or “cardiovascular fitness.” But what does it mean?
The prefix “cardio” comes from the Greek word “kardia,” meaning “heart.” “Vascular” is a term that refers to the veins and arteries in your body, all of which are part of your circulatory (blood-pumping) system.
If by now you are thinking that a cardiovascular tech’s job has something to do with the heart and the circulatory system, you are right. Cardiovascular techs work in hospital emergency rooms, in clinics, and in rehabilitation centres. They help doctors who diagnose and treat patients with heart and blood vessel problems.
Cardiovascular technologists and cardiovascular technicians usually have different tasks and responsibilities. Technologists typically specialize in one of three areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, or vascular technology.
Techs who specialize in invasive procedures are called cardiology technologists. They assist the doctor in performing tests to see if a patient has a blocked blood vessel leading to the heart, and removing any blockage that is found. In addition, cardiovascular technologists may prepare and monitor patients during open-heart surgery.
Echocardiographers and vascular technologists do non-invasive testing which does not require tubes or instruments to be inserted into the patient. Instead, they use ultrasound machines to transmit high frequency sound waves into certain areas of the body. The machine then converts echoes of the sound waves into an image on a screen, allowing the technologist to look for any signs of disease. The results are then sent to a doctor.
Vascular technologists specialize in blood vessel and circulatory disorders in the entire body. Echocardiographers specialize in examining the chambers, valves, and vessels of the heart.
Cardiovascular technicians perform electrocardiograms (EKGs or ECGs) and other tests. EKG technicians operate heart-monitoring equipment that records electrical activity and blood pressure. They attach electrodes to patients’ chests, arms, and legs, and then use EKG machines to get readings. This is done before surgery and also as a part of routine physical examinations, especially for patients who have a history of heart problems. This may be done over a 24-hour period to detect any changes.
EKG technicians who have more advanced training perform more complicated EKG tests such as stress testing where patients are connected to EKG monitors via electrodes. The technicians take readings of patients’ blood pressure and heart activity during rest. Then, they ask patients to walk on treadmills. The technicians slowly increase treadmill speed so they can monitor the effects of faster exercise on the heart. Another method of stress testing is to monitor patients while they cycle on stationary bikes.
NOC Code: 3217