However, that number is expected to decline as current physicians age out of practice and demand for specialists continues to rise, according to a Medicus white paper published Feb. 20.
Here are 10 things to know about impending cardiology shortages:
1. Currently, nearly 50% of U.S. counties lack access to a cardiologist, leaving 22 million Americans without access to specialized cardiac care.
2. Heart disease has remained the leading cause of death in the United States since the 1950s.
3. A shortage of 8,650 cardiologists is projected by 2037.
4. Cardiologist demand is expected to far outpace supply, year over year.
5. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 5% job growth in cardiology by 2033.
6. In counties without a cardiologist, the average patient travels 87.1 miles to receive care.
7. Around 60% of cardiologists are older than 55.
8. In the next decade, cardiac inpatient procedures are expected to rise by 8%, while outpatient procedures will rise by 25%.
9. States with the fewest cardiologists per capita include Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and South Dakota.
10. Here is a breakdown of practicing cardiology specialists:
- 24,846 general cardiologists
- 5,031 interventional cardiologists
- 2,847 cardiac electrophysiologists
- 1,553 pediatric cardiologists
- 1,379 cardiothoracic surgeons
- 51 peripheral vascular disease specialists
