Understand the most common risk factors for heart disease. Understand the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon. The cardiovascular system, which is also called the circulatory system, is made up of the heart and the blood vessels. The main job of the cardiovascular system is to move blood around the body so that the blood can deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products. The heart pumps blood, and the vessels carry it.
Cardiology is the field of study that examines diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiologists are physicians with advanced training in the structure, function, and diseases of the cardiovascular system. They diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases and perform certain procedures. Cardiac surgeons perform operations on patients to treat cardiovascular diseases. They also perform certain diagnostic surgical procedures.