Dr. Annie Yu-Ju Chou is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, she serves patients from the surrounding region. Her practice adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Chou's focus is on providing comprehensive cardiovascular care tailored to each patient's unique needs, primarily serving adult patients.
Graduating with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of British Columbia in 2009, Dr. Chou completed extensive post-graduate training in Cardiology, including clinical rotations and fellowships. She holds certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in her field.
Dr. Chou's clinical approach is clear and educational, emphasizing patient understanding and shared decision-making. She is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to her patients in Vancouver. Fluent in English and Mandarin, she strives to communicate effectively and ensure her patients are well-informed about their health and treatment options.
Dr. Chou provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- 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.
- 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
- Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
- Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.
- Evaluation for Suspected CAD: Diagnostic workup for patients with symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential blockages in the heart arteries.
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy
- Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).
- 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.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Chou 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.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- Stress Testing Supervision & Interpretation: Overseeing and interpreting exercise treadmill tests, stress echocardiograms, or nuclear stress tests to assess for coronary artery blockages and exercise capacity.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Chou. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC).
Dr. Chou primarily practices at medical facilities in the Downtown Vancouver (West End South) neighborhood, conveniently situated near City Hall and Cambie Village. These locations are easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain's Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Chou covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Chou are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Chou?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chou. 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.
- When might my family doctor refer me to a Cardiologist?
- Referrals are common for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or fainting; abnormal ECG or stress test results; known heart conditions requiring specialist management (e.g., Post-Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Care, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter, Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation); strong family history of heart disease; or managing cardiovascular risk factors in complex patients.
200-1033 Davie St, Cardiologist, St. Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6E 1M7
Phone: (604) 806-9091 | Fax: (604) 688-5229
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Chou is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331135/Chou%2CAnnie