Description
About Dr. Cristiana Cunha
As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Cristiana Cunha offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she serves patients from the surrounding region. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Cunha provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various heart and vascular conditions.
Dr. Cunha graduated with a Medical Degree from Universidade Estacio de Sa (Unesa) in Brazil in 2004. She has been practicing as a specialist in Cardiology since 2023, following extensive postgraduate medical training in the field. Her certifications include completing rigorous training in cardiovascular medicine, ensuring her expertise aligns with current clinical standards and best practices.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and evidence-based approach to patient care. Dr. Cunha is committed to delivering personalized treatment plans and ensuring optimal outcomes for her patients in Hamilton. She speaks English and Portuguese fluently, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations and ensuring clarity in explaining medical conditions and treatment options.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Cristiana Cunha
Dr. Cunha provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Evaluation and management of various types of rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter: Diagnosis, rhythm and rate control strategies, and assessment for stroke prevention therapy (anticoagulation).
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
- Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
- Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease
- Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
- Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
- Evaluation for Suspected CAD: Diagnostic workup for patients with symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential blockages in the heart arteries.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Cunha is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
Cardiology Services Offered by Dr. Cristiana Cunha
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) Interpretation: Analyzing 24-hour blood pressure readings to diagnose hypertension, assess treatment effectiveness, and identify patterns like 'white coat' hypertension.
- Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
- Ambulatory ECG (Holter & Event Monitor) Interpretation: Analyzing recordings from portable heart monitors worn for 24 hours up to several weeks to diagnose intermittent arrhythmias or correlate symptoms with heart rhythm.
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Cunha. The specific services required will depend on your individual diagnosis and referral. Please discuss specific service needs with your referring physician.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Cunha primarily practices at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The facility is conveniently located near Westmount Recreation Centre and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The location is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Cunha covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Cunha are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when you have a valid health card and a required referral. Most medically necessary diagnostic tests ordered by a cardiologist (like ECGs, standard echocardiograms, stress tests) are also usually covered. Some advanced tests or specific procedures might have different coverage rules or require pre-approval. It's always best to confirm specific coverage with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Cunha?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cunha. This ensures the consultation is appropriate for your medical needs and facilitates coordination of your care. Please ask your doctor to send a referral request.
- Does Dr. Cristiana Cunha provide refills for my heart medications?
- Dr. Cunha will typically initiate or adjust specialized heart medications. However, for stable, ongoing prescriptions, refills should generally be obtained through your family doctor, who manages your overall medication list. Please ensure you have enough medication until your next family doctor visit unless instructed otherwise.
Contact & Licensing Information
Centre for Addiction and Mental Hea
237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2
Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (289) 667-0105
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Cunha is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/da-Cunha-Zeno-Borjaille-Cristiana/0303751-107751