Dr. Octavio Souza is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, he serves patients from the surrounding region, adhering strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His practice primarily based at reputable medical facilities in the Durand and Kirkendall South neighborhoods of Hamilton provides accessible and comprehensive cardiovascular care. Dr. Souza's focus may include Pediatric Cardiology, among other subspecialties, to address the unique needs of patients across all age groups.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) Faculdade de Medicina in 2004, Brazil. Since 2022, he has been practicing as a specialist in Cardiology, having completed extensive post-graduate medical training in the field. His certifications include rigorous training in cardiovascular diagnostics and treatment modalities, ensuring he provides evidence-based and up-to-date care to his patients.
Dr. Souza’s clinical philosophy emphasizes an evidence-based and informative approach to patient care. He is committed to delivering personalized treatment plans, fostering patient understanding, and ensuring optimal cardiovascular health outcomes. Fluent in English and Portuguese, he is dedicated to effective communication and compassionate care for his diverse patient population in Hamilton and beyond.
Dr. Souza provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy
- Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.
- Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
- Syncope (Fainting) - Cardiac Causes: Cardiovascular assessment to identify or rule out heart-related causes of fainting or loss of consciousness.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter: Diagnosis, rhythm and rate control strategies, and assessment for stroke prevention therapy (anticoagulation).
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease
- Evaluation for Suspected CAD: Diagnostic workup for patients with symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential blockages in the heart arteries.
- 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.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Souza is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Pediatric Cardiology Consultation: Diagnosis and management of heart conditions specifically in infants, children, and adolescents.
- Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Lipid Management (Cholesterol Treatment): Specialized management of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders using lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Souza. 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).
Dr. Souza's practice is primarily based at reputable medical facilities located in the Durand and Kirkendall South neighborhoods of Hamilton. Patients can easily access the clinics via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) routes. The facilities are conveniently situated near landmarks such as Eastgate Square and the Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site in Stoney Creek. The practice location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility for those arriving by car, providing added convenience for outpatient care.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Souza covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Souza 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. Souza?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Souza. 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. Octavio Souza replace my family doctor for general care?
- No, Dr. Souza focuses specifically on your cardiovascular health as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor remains central to your overall healthcare, managing other health issues and coordinating routine care. Dr. Souza collaborates closely with your family doctor, providing reports and recommendations.
- What does a Cardiologist specialize in?
- A Cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system). This includes conditions like coronary artery disease (Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery), heart attacks, heart failure (Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats like Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up), valve problems, and high blood pressure.
- What is a Cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP)?
- An Electrophysiologist is a Cardiologist who specializes further in the heart's electrical system and treats heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) like Cardiovascular Risk Assessment. They perform specialized tests (like EP studies) and procedures such as catheter ablation or implanting pacemakers/defibrillators. Dr. Souza may refer patients with complex arrhythmias to an EP specialist if needed. As a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Souza specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, including performing procedures like ablation or device implantation.
- Will Dr. Octavio Souza communicate with my family doctor?
- Yes, effective communication is key. Dr. Souza will send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations back to your referring physician to ensure seamless coordination of your overall medical care.
100 King Street West, C/O Inner City Health Associates
Hamilton, ON L8P 1A2
Phone: (905) 521-2100
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Souza 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/de-Souza-e-Silva-Netto-Octavio/0327520-118941