About
With expertise in Cardiology, Dr. Claude Lévesque provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care for heart-related conditions. Practicing in Gatineau, QC, he serves patients from the surrounding region, adhering strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His primary focus is to deliver personalized and reassuring care in the field of Cardiology, ensuring each patient receives thorough evaluation and management tailored to their needs.
Dr. Lévesque graduated with a Medical Degree in 1992 and holds a specialty certification in Cardiology issued July 1, 1992. He completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Cardiology, including specialized internships and residencies, which enable him to offer expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions.
His clinical philosophy centers on reassuring, patient-focused care. He is committed to guiding his patients through their cardiovascular health journey with compassion and clarity. Fluent in French, Dr. Lévesque values effective communication and strives to create a comfortable environment for all his patients in Gatineau and beyond.
Dr. Lévesque provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
- Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
- Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Syncope (Fainting) - Cardiac Causes: Cardiovascular assessment to identify or rule out heart-related causes of fainting or loss of consciousness.
- Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
- 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
- Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring): Medical management and monitoring of conditions affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms (in collaboration with vascular specialists).
- Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Lévesque is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- 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.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lipid Management (Cholesterol Treatment): Specialized management of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders using lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Lévesque. 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. Lévesque's practice is primarily based at the CISSSO - Hôpital de Hull, located in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighbourhood of Gatineau. The hospital is conveniently situated near Les Promenades Gatineau shopping centre. Patients can easily access the facility via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. The hospital premises are wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, with ample spaces for visitors and patients.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Lévesque covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Lévesque 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. Lévesque?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lévesque. 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.
- 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.
- Will Dr. Claude Lévesque communicate with my family doctor?
- Yes, effective communication is key. Dr. Lévesque will send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations back to your referring physician to ensure seamless coordination of your overall medical care.
CISSSO - Hôpital de Hull
116 Boul Lionel-Émond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 1W7
Phone: (819) 966-6054 | Fax: (819) 966-6307
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lévesque 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=92237