Description
About Dr. Christine Houde
As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Christine Houde offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Québec, QC, she serves patients from the surrounding region. She adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring comprehensive and ethical medical practice. Dr. Houde provides personalized care focused on improving her patients' heart health and overall well-being.
Dr. Houde graduated with a Medical Degree in 1986 and holds a specialty certification in Cardiology issued July 1, 1986. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Cardiology, including specialized fellowships and certifications, to refine her expertise in diagnosing and treating complex cardiovascular conditions.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on reassuring and patient-focused care. Dedicated to serving the community of Québec, she communicates fluently in French and is committed to building trusting relationships with her patients. Dr. Houde strives to provide clear explanations and compassionate support throughout each stage of diagnosis and treatment.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Christine Houde
Dr. Houde provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Valvular Heart Disease
- Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
- 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.
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.
- Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).
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.
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
- Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management: Treatment of complex or severe cholesterol disorders, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk or medication intolerance.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Houde is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
Cardiology Services Offered by Dr. Christine Houde
- Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Houde. 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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Houde primarily practices at the CHU de Québec, Cardiologie pédiatrique, located near the central Québec neighborhood of Québec. The practice is easily accessible via local public transit options, making it convenient for patients coming from different parts of the city. The surrounding area features notable points of interest, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for patients arriving by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Houde covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Houde 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. Houde?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Houde. 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.
- How should I prepare for a stress test?
- Specific instructions will be provided when your test is booked. Generally, you may be asked to avoid caffeine for several hours beforehand, wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing, and potentially hold certain heart medications (like beta-blockers) on the day of the test. Always confirm instructions with the testing facility or Dr. Houde's office.
Contact & Licensing Information
CHU de Québec, Cardiologie pédiatrique
2705 boul Laurier
Québec, QC G1V 4G2
Phone: (418) 654-2708 | Fax: (418) 654-3473
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Houde 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=86281