Dr. Benoit Coutu

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

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.
• Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.

Other Cardiovascular Conditions

• Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring): Medical management and monitoring of conditions affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms (in collaboration with vascular specialists).
• Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
• Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease

• Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.
• 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. Coutu is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Lipid Management (Cholesterol Treatment): Specialized management of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders using lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• 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.
• Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Coutu. 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Dr. Coutu's practice is primarily based at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), within the Department of Médecine, specializing in cardiology. The clinic is situated in the vibrant Ville-Marie East neighborhood, close to the Quartier Latin and Village areas. Its proximity to Place Ville Marie makes it easily accessible for patients. The practice is well-connected via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including Metro and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Coutu covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?

Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Coutu are typically covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the testing facility.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Coutu?

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

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.

What is an Echocardiogram (Echo)?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart's chambers, valves, walls, and the blood vessels attached to your heart. It helps assess the heart's pumping function (ejection fraction) and detect structural abnormalities or valve problems. It's a non-invasive and painless test.

CHUM, Médecine , cardiologie
1051 rue Sanguinet
Montréal, QC H2X 1R6

Phone: (514) 890-8000 | Fax: (514) 412-7584

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Coutu is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=82222