About
Dr. Christopher William Knutson is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in Peterborough, ON, he serves patients from the surrounding region. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and ethical patient care. Dr. Knutson provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, focusing on adult patients with a wide range of cardiovascular concerns.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in 2011, located in Grenada. Since completing extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, he has been practicing as a specialist in the field for over 7 years, since 2017. His training includes rigorous clinical education and certification in advanced cardiovascular diagnostics and management.
Dr. Knutson maintains a professional and clinical approach, committed to delivering personalized patient care in Peterborough. He speaks English fluently and is dedicated to providing accessible, evidence-based cardiovascular services tailored to each individual's needs.
Dr. Knutson provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Evaluation and management of various types of rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter: Diagnosis, rhythm and rate control strategies, and assessment for stroke prevention therapy (anticoagulation).
- Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) & Heart Block: Diagnosing causes of slow heart rates and conduction system problems, including assessing the need for pacemakers.
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).
- Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
- Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
- 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. Knutson is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Knutson. 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 Ontario (CPSO).
Dr. Knutson's practice is primarily based at medical facilities in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinics are conveniently located near Trent University Symons Campus, easily accessible via Peterborough Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Knutson covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Knutson are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Knutson?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Knutson. 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. Knutson's office.
- 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.
- How important is lifestyle in managing my heart condition?
- Lifestyle choices are extremely important for both preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. Adopting heart-healthy habits – like regular physical activity, a balanced diet low in sodium and unhealthy fats, smoking cessation, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight – can significantly improve outcomes and complement medical treatments recommended by Dr. Knutson.
- What should I bring to my first cardiology appointment?
- Please bring:
- Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
- The referral letter.
- A complete list of ALL current medications (including doses and frequencies). Bringing the bottles is best.
- A list of past medical conditions, surgeries, and allergies.
- Any relevant medical reports or test results (e.g., recent ECGs, blood work).
- A list of your symptoms and questions for Dr. Knutson.
707 Charlotte St, Healthlink Family Practice
Peterborough, ON K9J 7B3
Phone: (705) 876-4600 | Fax: (705) 743-1449
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Knutson is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Knutson-Christopher-William/0315406-111936