Dr. Javier Ignacio Ganame – Cardiologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Javier Ignacio Ganame is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, he serves patients from the surrounding region. He adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and ethical care. Dr. Ganame provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, focusing on evidence-based practices to optimize patient outcomes. His primary patient demographic includes adults seeking specialized cardiovascular evaluation and management.

Dr. Ganame graduated with a Medical Degree from Universidad Catolica de Cordoba in 1995, in Argentina. He has been practicing as a specialist in Cardiology for over 5 years, since 2019. His training includes extensive post-graduate medical education in Cardiology, encompassing advanced diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions. He has completed numerous certifications and training modules to stay current with the latest developments in cardiovascular medicine.

His clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing patient education and shared decision-making. Dr. Ganame is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to his patients in Hamilton. He is fluent in English and Spanish, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations and ensuring understanding of complex medical information.

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

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.

Valvular Heart Disease

• Aortic Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation): Monitoring valve function, managing symptoms, and determining the appropriate timing for valve intervention (repair or replacement).
• Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions: Evaluation and management of less common conditions affecting the right-sided heart valves.
• Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.

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.
• Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Ganame 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.
• Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Ganame. 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. Ganame's practice is primarily based at the Royal Victoria Hospital of Barrie, located in the Corktown neighborhood of Hamilton. The practice is conveniently situated near the Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site in Stoney Creek. Patients can access the facility via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Ganame covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

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

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

Will Dr. Javier Ignacio Ganame communicate with my family doctor?

Yes, effective communication is key. Dr. Ganame will send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations back to your referring physician to ensure seamless coordination of your overall medical care.

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. Ganame. Having another person present can often be very helpful, especially during complex discussions.

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.

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. Ganame's office.

Royal Victoria Hospital of Barrie
50 Charlton Avenue, Department of Psychiatry
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6

Phone: (905) 522-1155 | Fax: (905) 521-6068

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ganame 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/Ganame-Javier-Ignacio/0234864-85663