Dr. Juan Gabriel Acosta Velez – Cardiologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Juan Gabriel Acosta Velez 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 to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring comprehensive and quality care. Dr. Velez provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, focusing on adult patients with various cardiovascular conditions.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Universidad Del Norte in Colombia in 2005. Dr. Velez has been practicing as a specialist in Cardiology since 2023, following extensive postgraduate medical training in the field. His certifications include completing a rigorous residency and fellowship in Cardiology, equipping him with the latest knowledge and skills to manage complex heart conditions.

With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Velez is committed to delivering patient-centered care in Hamilton. He speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations. His philosophy emphasizes evidence-based practices, compassionate care, and ongoing patient education to optimize cardiovascular health outcomes.

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

Valvular Heart Disease

• Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions: Evaluation and management of less common conditions affecting the right-sided heart valves.
• Aortic Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation): Monitoring valve function, managing symptoms, and determining the appropriate timing for valve intervention (repair or replacement).
• Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.

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.
• Post-Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Care: Comprehensive follow-up care focused on recovery, secondary prevention, risk factor management, and medication optimization after a heart attack.

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.
• Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).
• 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. Velez is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Velez. 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. Velez primarily practices at the Ottawa Cardiovascular Centre located in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently situated near 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. Velez covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

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

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

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. Velez.

What are some common heart tests Dr. Velez might order?

Common tests include: Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), Stress Test (treadmill or chemical), Holter monitoring (24hr+ ECG), and blood tests (e.g., cholesterol, kidney function). Depending on your situation, he might also consider Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cardiac CT, MRI, or referral for Cardiac Catheterization if needed. The reason for each test will be explained.

What is an Interventional Cardiologist?

An Interventional Cardiologist is a Cardiologist with additional specialized training in performing catheter-based procedures like angioplasty and stenting to treat blocked coronary arteries. While Dr. Velez provides expert medical management, he may refer patients to an interventional colleague if these procedures are indicated. As an Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Velez performs procedures like angioplasty and stenting in addition to providing cardiology consultations.

Ottawa Cardiovascular Centre
237 Barton St E.
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 575-2634

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Velez 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/Acosta-Velez-Juan-Gabriel/0300242-107259