For patients
Why see a cardiologist?
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in Canada. Some of it is lifestyle. Some of it is family. Almost all of it is easier to treat when it is found early.
Our cardiologists are here whether you already have a diagnosis, you have symptoms that need a name, or you simply carry a family history and would rather know. It is common — and wise — to have your heart assessed even if you feel well, when risk is sitting in the background.
Before or after you meet the cardiologist, you may be asked to do diagnostic testing based on your symptoms and history. The cardiologist reviews every result before talking with you about further tests or treatment.
Symptoms worth a conversation
- Chest pressure, tightness, or pain — at rest or on effort
- Shortness of breath that is new, or worse than it used to be
- Palpitations, a racing heart, or skipped beats
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Swelling in the ankles, or waking at night short of breath
- A murmur your family doctor has heard
- An abnormal ECG, blood test, or imaging study
Risk that does not always announce itself
- A parent or sibling with early heart disease or sudden death
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- Smoking, or many years of smoking in the past
- Obesity or a very inactive lifestyle
- Known valve disease, heart failure, or a prior heart attack
- Atrial fibrillation or another arrhythmia
Tests you may be asked to do
Your family doctor can requisition many of these directly. A consultation is added when a specialist opinion is needed.
- EchocardiogramUltrasound of the heartHow to prepare
- Exercise Stress TestTreadmill ECG testingHow to prepare
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)12-lead heart tracingHow to prepare
- Holter Monitoring24-hour to 7-day rhythm recordingHow to prepare
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure (ABPM)24-hour blood pressure profileHow to prepare
- Cardiology ConsultationSpecialist assessmentHow to prepare
Start with your family doctor
In Ontario you need a referral for a cardiology consult. Ask your physician to complete our requisition, or call us and we will walk you through it.