In 2002, a report on the provision of services for patients with heart disease in the UK claimed a shortage of all types of health care professionals involved in cardiovascular care.

However, since then the numbers of consultant cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons have increased considerably. The number of cardiologists working in the NHS increased by just under 50% between September 1999 and March 2004, from 467 to 685.

Over the same period the number of consultant cardiothoracic surgeons increased by 19%, from 182 to 217.  It is estimated that between 1200 and 1500 consultant cardiologists will be needed by 2010.