About
As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. David Hugh Birnie offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he serves patients from the surrounding region, adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Birnie provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and vascular conditions in adult patients.
Dr. Birnie graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Glasgow School of Medicine in 1990 in the United Kingdom. He has been practicing as a specialist in Cardiology for over 22 years, since 2002. His training includes extensive postgraduate medical education in Cardiology, ensuring a thorough understanding of cardiovascular diseases and their management.
With a clear and educational approach, Dr. Birnie is committed to delivering patient-centered care in Ottawa. He speaks English fluently and values open communication to ensure his patients understand their health conditions and treatment options. His clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based practices, compassionate care, and ongoing patient education to promote optimal cardiovascular health.
Dr. Birnie provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease
- Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
- Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.
- Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Evaluation of Palpitations: Investigating sensations of skipped beats, fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeats to determine the underlying cause and significance.
- Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter: Diagnosis, rhythm and rate control strategies, and assessment for stroke prevention therapy (anticoagulation).
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.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Birnie 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.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
- 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. Birnie. 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. Birnie practices primarily at Albany Medical Clinic located in the Hintonburg neighborhood of Ottawa, conveniently close to the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch. The clinic is situated near Civic Hospital and Westboro East, providing easy access for patients from across the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, and public transportation options include OC Transpo services via the O-Train LRT and bus routes, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Birnie covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Birnie 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. Birnie?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Birnie. 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. David Hugh Birnie replace my family doctor for general care?
- No, Dr. Birnie focuses specifically on your cardiovascular health as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor remains central to your overall healthcare, managing other health issues and coordinating routine care. Dr. Birnie collaborates closely with your family doctor, providing reports and recommendations.
- 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. Birnie.
- Can my spouse or family member come with me?
- Yes, you are welcome to bring someone with you for support or to help listen and ask questions during your appointment with Dr. Birnie. Having another person present can often be very helpful, especially during complex discussions.
- Can heart disease be prevented?
- While some risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, many key risk factors for heart disease can be modified or managed. Controlling high blood pressure, managing cholesterol and diabetes, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, and managing stress significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Albany Medical Clinic
40 Ruskin Street
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7
Phone: (613) 696-7269 | Fax: (613) 696-7123
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Birnie 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/Birnie-David-Hugh/0161184-73881