About
With expertise in Cardiology, Dr. Ben-Zion Bar-Shlomo provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care for heart-related conditions. Practicing in Richmond, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region and adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His focus areas include a broad spectrum of cardiovascular health, emphasizing evidence-based practices and patient-centered care for adults.
Dr. Bar-Shlomo graduated with a Medical Degree from The Hebrew University in 1973 in Israel. He completed extensive post-graduate training in Cardiology, including fellowships and certifications through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training has equipped him with the latest knowledge and skills necessary for advanced cardiovascular diagnosis and management.
His clinical philosophy is rooted in evidence-based medicine and a commitment to providing thorough, individualized patient care. Serving the Richmond community with fluency in English, Dr. Bar-Shlomo is dedicated to ensuring his patients receive high-quality, accessible cardiac care tailored to their unique needs.
Dr. Bar-Shlomo provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) & Heart Block: Diagnosing causes of slow heart rates and conduction system problems, including assessing the need for pacemakers.
- Syncope (Fainting) - Cardiac Causes: Cardiovascular assessment to identify or rule out heart-related causes of fainting or loss of consciousness.
- Evaluation of Palpitations: Investigating sensations of skipped beats, fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeats to determine the underlying cause and significance.
Valvular Heart Disease
- Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.
- Aortic Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation): Monitoring valve function, managing symptoms, and determining the appropriate timing for valve intervention (repair or replacement).
- Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.
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.
- Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management: Treatment of complex or severe cholesterol disorders, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk or medication intolerance.
- Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Bar-Shlomo is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- 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.
- Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
- Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Bar-Shlomo. 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. Bar-Shlomo's practice is primarily based at medical facilities in the West Richmond (Terra Nova, Thompson) neighborhood of Richmond. The location is near the commercial and industrial areas, as well as the Richmond Olympic Oval. Patients can access the clinic via TransLink, including the Canada Line SkyTrain and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Bar-Shlomo covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Bar-Shlomo 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 MSP or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Bar-Shlomo?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bar-Shlomo. 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 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, heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve problems, and high blood pressure.
- How long are cardiology appointments usually?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Bar-Shlomo may take 45-75 minutes to allow for a thorough history and examination. Follow-up visits are typically shorter, around 15-30 minutes, depending on what needs to be discussed or reviewed. Please allow extra time for check-in and potential delays.
- 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.
- Does Dr. Bar-Shlomo provide refills for my heart medications?
- Dr. Bar-Shlomo 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.
750-6091 Gilbert Rd
Richmond, BC V7C 5L9
Phone: (604) 273-1555 | Fax: (604) 273-2969
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Bar-Shlomo 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/352391/Bar-Shlomo%2CBen-Zion