Dr. Amna Zafar – Cardiologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Amna Zafar is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves patients from the surrounding region. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to ensure safe and effective patient care. Dr. Zafar provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, focusing on adult patients with various cardiovascular concerns.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in the United States. With over one year of experience practicing as a specialist in Cardiology since 2023, she has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in this field. Her education and certification process ensure she is well-equipped to deliver expert cardiovascular care.

Dr. Zafar's clinical philosophy emphasizes clear and educational communication, ensuring patients understand their health conditions and treatment options. She is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care in Toronto. Fluent in English and Urdu, she aims to make her services accessible and understandable to a diverse patient population.

Dr. Zafar provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease

• Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
• Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
• Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.

Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management

• Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.
• Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
• Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management: Treatment of complex or severe cholesterol disorders, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk or medication intolerance.

Other Cardiovascular Conditions

• Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).
• Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
• Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Zafar is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
• Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
• Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
• Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
• 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. Zafar. 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. Zafar primarily practices at medical facilities located within the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. These facilities are conveniently situated near Port Lands and Cherry Beach, making them easily accessible for patients from various parts of the city. The clinics are well-connected via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), including subway, streetcar, and bus services, facilitating easy access for public transportation users. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Zafar covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Zafar 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. Zafar?

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zafar. 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.

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). They perform specialized tests (like EP studies) and procedures such as catheter ablation or implanting pacemakers/defibrillators. Dr. Zafar may refer patients with complex arrhythmias to an EP specialist if needed. As a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Zafar specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, including performing procedures like ablation or device implantation.

What is Holter monitoring?

A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that records your heart's electrical activity (ECG) continuously, typically for 24 to 48 hours, while you go about your normal daily activities. It's used to detect heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) that may not occur during a standard brief ECG in the office.

Can heart disease be prevented?

While some risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, many key risk factors for heart disease *can* be modified or managed. Controlling high blood pressure, managing cholesterol and diabetes, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, and managing stress significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Will Dr. Zafar communicate with my family doctor?

Yes, effective communication is key. Dr. Zafar will send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations back to your referring physician to ensure seamless coordination of your overall medical care.

600 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5

Phone: (416) 586-4800 | Fax: (416) 586-8223

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Zafar 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/Zafar-Amna/0343173-150935