A nationwide shortage of cardiologists has left patients facing long waitlists for follow-up care, UCLA Health reported.
The issue came to light following an inquiry from a reader in Spokane, Washington, whose husband received a congestive heart failure diagnosis.
“When I called to make an appointment three months in advance, we were put on a waitlist. I was told this is due to a profound lack of cardiologists in this country. Can this really be true?” a reader in Spokane, Washington, whose husband received a congestive heart failure diagnosis, told UCLA Health. UCLA Health confirmed that a shortage exists across the United States, though the severity varies by region.
The deficit stems from a combination of demanding training requirements, limited openings in fellowship programs, and an aging population that increases demand while older physicians retire. This creates what the health system described as a perfect storm of factors restricting access to specialized heart care.
Cardiology requires extensive education and rigorous advanced training, which naturally caps the volume of new physicians entering the field each year. At the same time, demographic shifts are driving up patient volume as the population ages. Many veteran cardiologists are reaching retirement age, compounding the staffing strain within clinics and hospitals.
To help bridge the gap in front-line care, medical practices are increasingly relying on nurse practitioners and physician assistants. A practicing physician assistant told UCLA Health that more than 600,000 PAs and NPs now practice across America, providing vital care in both urban and remote settings.
“PAs increase patient access, shorten the time you wait to be seen and provide excellent care,” the physician assistant told UCLA Health, adding that patients should seek practices that act as true healthcare partners.
Beyond specialized care, patient inquiries also focused on everyday health management, including dietary adjustments. When asked about increased gas after adding fiber to a diet, UCLA Health confirmed that this is a common and normal side effect as gut bacteria ferment certain types of dietary fiber.
| Healthcare Factor | Current Impact | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology Access | Extended waitlists for follow-up visits | Retiring physicians and limited training openings |
| Front-Line Staffing | Expanded role for non-physician providers | Over 600,000 practicing PAs and NPs nationwide |
| Digestive Health | Temporary gas increase from dietary changes | Bacterial fermentation of newly introduced fiber |
UCLA Health said that its medical column cannot examine personal medical records, provide individual diagnoses, offer second opinions, or comment on specific medications and treatment plans.
“Patients should be encouraged to join a practice they feel listens to them and is a partner in their healthcare,” the physician assistant told UCLA Health.
- UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, Ask the Doctors column.
- Uexpress syndicated column archives on cardiology access and dietary health.
