About
Dr. Hélène Ouimet is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC, she serves patients from the surrounding region. She adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and provides comprehensive care in Cardiology. Her focus is on delivering patient-centered services that emphasize education, prevention, and personalized treatment plans for adults.
Dr. Ouimet completed her medical education with a Medical Degree in 1983 and holds specialty certification in Cardiology issued June 21, 1983. She underwent extensive post-graduate medical training in Cardiology, gaining expertise in various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures relevant to her field. Her qualifications ensure she is well-equipped to manage complex cardiovascular conditions with evidence-based approaches.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in clear, educational communication and compassionate patient care. She is committed to serving the community of Saint-Charles-Borromée by offering accessible, high-quality cardiovascular services. Dr. Ouimet primarily speaks French and ensures her patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options thoroughly, fostering collaborative and informed decision-making.
Dr. Ouimet provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
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.
Valvular Heart Disease
- Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions: Evaluation and management of less common conditions affecting the right-sided heart valves.
- Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
- Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management: Treatment of complex or severe cholesterol disorders, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk or medication intolerance.
- 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. Ouimet is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
- Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
- 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.
- Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Ouimet. 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
Dr. Ouimet's practice is primarily based at the Centre intégré de santé et de services Lanaudière, Département de Cardiologie, located near the central area of Saint-Charles-Borromée. The facility is close to local points of interest such as the Lanaudière Regional Hospital and the Sainte-Charles-Borromée town center. It is easily accessible via local public transit options, providing convenience for patients from the surrounding communities. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Ouimet covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Ouimet are typically covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Ouimet?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ouimet. 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 a Cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP)?
- An Electrophysiologist is a Cardiologist who specializes further in the heart's electrical system and treats heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) like Cardio-Oncology Issues. They perform specialized tests (like EP studies) and procedures such as catheter ablation or implanting pacemakers/defibrillators. Dr. Ouimet may refer patients with complex arrhythmias to an EP specialist if needed. As a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Ouimet specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, including performing procedures like ablation or device implantation.
- 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.
Centre intégré de santé et de services Lanaudière, Département de Cardiologie
1000 boul Sainte-Anne
Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC J6E 6J2
Phone: (450) 759-8222 | Fax: (450) 752-0651
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ouimet is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=83068