Dr. Dakshina Murthy – Cardiologist | Windsor, ON

As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Dakshina Murthy offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Windsor, ON, he serves patients from the surrounding region. Dr. Murthy adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective care. His role focuses on providing comprehensive care in Cardiology, addressing a wide range of heart-related health issues with a patient-centered approach.

Dr. Murthy graduated with a Medical Degree from Mysore Medical College in India and has been practicing as a specialist in Cardiology for over 14 years, since 2010. He is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.

His clinical philosophy is centered on reassuring and patient-focused care. Dr. Murthy is dedicated to ensuring his patients in Windsor receive personalized treatment plans that emphasize education, comfort, and safety. He speaks English fluently, facilitating clear communication and understanding with his patients.

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

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease

• Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
• Evaluation for Suspected CAD: Diagnostic workup for patients with symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential blockages in the heart arteries.
• Post-Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Care: Comprehensive follow-up care focused on recovery, secondary prevention, risk factor management, and medication optimization after a heart attack.

Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)

• Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
• Evaluation of Palpitations: Investigating sensations of skipped beats, fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeats to determine the underlying cause and significance.
• Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) & Heart Block: Diagnosing causes of slow heart rates and conduction system problems, including assessing the need for pacemakers.

Valvular Heart Disease

• Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
• 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.

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Murthy is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
• Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Lipid Management (Cholesterol Treatment): Specialized management of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders using lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Murthy. 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. Murthy primarily practices at Hamilton General Hospital in Windsor, Ontario, situated in the Walkerville, Ottawa Street Village neighborhood. His location is conveniently accessible from the University of Windsor area and Ford City area, with public transit options available via Transit Windsor. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Murthy covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

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

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

When might my family doctor refer me to a Cardiologist?

Referrals are common for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or fainting; abnormal ECG or stress test results; known heart conditions requiring specialist management (e.g., Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up, Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions); strong family history of heart disease; or managing cardiovascular risk factors in complex patients.

What if I experience chest pain or other urgent symptoms?

If you experience sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms suggestive of a stroke (like sudden weakness or speech difficulty), call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately. Do not wait for an appointment. Dr. Murthy's office manages scheduled consultations and cannot provide emergency care.

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 (Management Post-Heart Transplant), heart attacks, heart failure (Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats like Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up), valve problems, and high blood pressure.

Hamilton General Hospital
2464 Howard Ave, Division of Emergency Medicine
Windsor, ON N8X 3V6

Phone: (519) 977-6643

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Murthy 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/Murthy-Dakshina/0336537-133587