About
Dr. David Alexander Wood, a respected Cardiologist, focuses on evidence-based cardiology practice and personalized patient treatment plans. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality and safe medical care. Dr. Wood’s subspecialty interests or areas of focus may include complex diagnostic assessments, management of adult cardiovascular diseases, and preventive cardiology.
Dr. Wood graduated with a Medical Doctorate (MD) from the University of British Columbia in 2001 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training encompasses a broad spectrum of adult cardiac care, emphasizing clinical excellence and ongoing professional development.
His clinical philosophy centers on delivering professional and clinical care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. He is committed to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice in Vancouver, with fluency in English to facilitate clear communication with his patients and colleagues. Dr. Wood strives to foster a compassionate, respectful environment where evidence-based medicine guides every aspect of patient care.
Dr. Wood 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.
- 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.
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 Failure & Cardiomyopathy
- Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).
- Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Wood 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.
- 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.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Wood. 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. Wood primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, in close proximity to Robson Square. The location is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Wood covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Wood 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. Wood?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wood. 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.
- 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., Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI), Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic), Management Post-Heart Transplant); strong family history of heart disease; or managing cardiovascular risk factors in complex patients.
- What is Holter monitoring?
- A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that records your heart's electrical activity (ECG) continuously, typically for 24 to 48 hours, while you go about your normal daily activities. It's used to detect heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) that may not occur during a standard brief ECG in the office.
2775 Laurel St, Level 9
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
Phone: (604) 875-5601 | Fax: (604) 674-0981
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Wood 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/325843/Wood%2CDavid