About
As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Glen Linnell Sumner offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Calgary, AB, he serves patients from the surrounding region. Dr. Sumner adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that each patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate care. He provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and vascular diseases.
Dr. Sumner graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Queen's University in 1990 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology. He holds certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC). His education and certifications reflect his dedication to maintaining the highest professional standards and staying current with advances in cardiovascular medicine.
With a reassuring and patient-focused approach, Dr. Sumner is committed to providing personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. He speaks English fluently and is dedicated to fostering a comfortable environment for all his patients in Calgary. His clinical philosophy emphasizes clear communication, thorough evaluation, and collaborative decision-making to optimize heart health and overall well-being.
Dr. Sumner provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy
- Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.
- Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease
- Evaluation for Suspected CAD: Diagnostic workup for patients with symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential blockages in the heart arteries.
- Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
- Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
- 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.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Sumner 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.
- Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Sumner. 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 Alberta (CPSA).
Dr. Sumner primarily practices at medical facilities located in the NW Calgary neighborhoods of Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). These facilities are conveniently situated near the BMO Centre, providing easy access for patients. The clinics are well-connected by Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Sumner covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Sumner are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Sumner?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sumner. 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Phone: (403) 944-5063 | Fax: (403) 944-2757
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sumner is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=440b3f4a-ba3a-433c-b3cb-3c991a7e6e71&i=1404