Dr. Christopher Franco – Cardiologist | Victoria, BC

As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Christopher Franco offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Victoria, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe and effective treatment aligned with provincial regulations. Dr. Franco's focus is on delivering comprehensive heart health assessments, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions tailored to each patient's needs.

Dr. Franco graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto in 2011 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Cardiology, including certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His education and rigorous training provide him with a solid foundation in the latest cardiovascular medicine and procedural skills, enabling him to offer evidence-based care for complex heart conditions.

Committed to clear and educational communication, Dr. Franco emphasizes patient-centered care in Victoria. He speaks English fluently and strives to foster an environment where patients feel informed and empowered about their heart health. His clinical philosophy centers on prevention, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

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

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.
• Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions: Evaluation and management of less common conditions affecting the right-sided heart valves.
• Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.

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.

Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management

• 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.
• 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. Franco is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
• Lipid Management (Cholesterol Treatment): Specialized management of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders using lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Ambulatory ECG (Holter & Event Monitor) Interpretation: Analyzing recordings from portable heart monitors worn for 24 hours up to several weeks to diagnose intermittent arrhythmias or correlate symptoms with heart rhythm.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Franco. 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. Franco primarily practices at medical facilities located near the central Victoria neighborhood, in proximity to the BC Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. These locations are easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Franco covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

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

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

Does Dr. Franco provide refills for my heart medications?

Dr. Franco 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.

300-3680 Uptown Blvd, Pulse Complete Cardiac Care
Victoria, BC V8Z 0B9

Phone: (250) 595-1551 | Fax: (250) 595-1000

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Franco 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/337377/Franco%2CChristopher