The duties of cardiovascular technologists and technicians are to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments. Also cardiovascular technologists may specialize in three areas. Those are practiceinvasive cardiology, echocardiography and vascular technology. Cardiographic or EKG technicians are those who specialize in electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing and Holter monitors.
Cardiology technologists are those who specializing in invasive procedures. They must assist physicians with cardiac catheterization procedures. There is small tube or catheter is wound through a patient's blood vessel from a spot on the patient's leg into the heart. This procedure can determine whether a blockage exists in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Also such procedure can help to diagnose a lot of other problems.
Generally technologists prepare patients for cardiac catheterization and balloon angioplasty. They can do it with the help first positioning them on an examining table. Then shaving, cleaning and administering anesthesia to the top of their leg near the groin. In time of this procedure, they monitor patient's blood pressure and heart rate. Also technologists may prepare and monitor patients during open-heart surgery and the implantation of pacemakers.
Cardiovascular technologists at echocardiography or vascular technology often run noninvasive tests. This test requires using ultrasound instrumentation. That is such instrument as Doppler ultrasound. Such ultrasound instrumentation transmits high-frequency sound waves into areas of the patient's body. After that processes reflected echoes of the sound waves to form an image. Also they must explain the procedure to patients, record any additional medical history the patient relates, select appropriate equipment settings. In case it is necessary they should change the patient's position.
In general technologists and technicians work 5-day. Naturally there are 40-hour week. Sometimes it may include weekends. In catheterization labs they may work longer and even may work in the evenings. Moreover they may be on call during the night and on weekends.
In 2002 cardiovascular technologists and technicians held about 43,000 jobs. However some cardiovascular technologists, vascular technologists and cardiac sonographers are trained on the job. Naturally cardiovascular technologists, vascular technologists and cardiac sonographers complete a 2-year junior or community college program.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians must be reliable. Besides they must have mechanical aptitude. It is very important for them to be able to follow detailed instructions.
It is expected that employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is grow faster than the average. This is due to the population ages. It is naturally that older people have a higher incidence of heart problems. Such vascular technologists and echocardiographers will be opportunities in vascular technology and sonography. It will reduce the need for more costly and invasive procedures.
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