Dr. Eftychia Kapravelou – Cardiologist | Vancouver, BC

As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Eftychia Kapravelou offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, she serves patients from the surrounding region. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe and effective care. Dr. Kapravelou’s focus is on providing comprehensive and personalized treatment plans designed to optimize heart health and improve quality of life for her patients.

Dr. Kapravelou graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece in 2006. She completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including clinical fellowships and specialized certifications recognized by the College Registration Committee. Her advanced training equips her with the latest knowledge and skills to manage complex cardiovascular conditions effectively.

Her clinical philosophy is centered on reassurance, patient education, and collaborative decision-making. Dr. Kapravelou is committed to delivering compassionate care in Vancouver, with a focus on addressing each patient’s unique needs. She is fluent in English and Greek, which helps her communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse patient population, fostering trust and understanding in her practice.

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

Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)

• Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) & Heart Block: Diagnosing causes of slow heart rates and conduction system problems, including assessing the need for pacemakers.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter: Diagnosis, rhythm and rate control strategies, and assessment for stroke prevention therapy (anticoagulation).
• Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.

Valvular Heart Disease

• Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.
• Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.
• Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.

Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management

• Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.
• Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
• 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. Kapravelou 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.
• 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.
• Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
• 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.
• Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Kapravelou. 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. Kapravelou’s practice is primarily based at medical facilities in the Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood of Vancouver. The location offers convenient access to shopping and dining districts, as well as cultural attractions such as the Museum of Vancouver and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre at Vanier Park. Transportation options are plentiful, including TransLink services via SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Kapravelou covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

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

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

How long are cardiology appointments usually?

Your first consultation with Dr. Kapravelou may take 45-75 minutes to allow for a thorough history and examination. Follow-up visits are typically shorter, around 15-30 minutes, depending on what needs to be discussed or reviewed. Please allow extra time for check-in and potential delays.

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., Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention, Cardiovascular Risk Assessment, Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI)); strong family history of heart disease; or managing cardiovascular risk factors in complex patients.

1F3-4480 Oak St, BC Children's Hospital-Children's Heart
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4

Phone: (604) 875-3878 | Fax: (604) 875-3463

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kapravelou 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/372290/Kapravelou%2CEftychia