Dr. Kevin Heng Gu – Cardiologist | Surrey, BC

As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Kevin Heng Gu offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Surrey, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region. Dr. Gu adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, ethical medical practice. His focus is on providing comprehensive heart health services tailored to individual patient needs, with a commitment to education and patient safety.

Dr. Gu graduated with a Medical Degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in 2016, located in Grenada. Following his medical training, he completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including certification through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His advanced education and certifications enable him to deliver specialized and evidence-based cardiovascular care.

His clinical philosophy centers on clear and educational communication, ensuring patients understand their conditions and treatment options. Dr. Gu is dedicated to providing compassionate care in Surrey, speaking fluent English and Mandarin to serve a diverse patient population. He strives to foster a collaborative approach to manage and improve each patient's heart health effectively.

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

Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy

• Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.
• 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.

Other Cardiovascular Conditions

• Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
• Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
• Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring): Medical management and monitoring of conditions affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms (in collaboration with vascular specialists).

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease

• 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.
• Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.
• Evaluation for Suspected CAD: Diagnostic workup for patients with symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential blockages in the heart arteries.

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Gu is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
• 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.
• Lipid Management (Cholesterol Treatment): Specialized management of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders using lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Gu. 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. Gu primarily practices at medical facilities located in the West Newton, Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Surrey. His clinics are conveniently situated near Guildford Town Centre and the Surrey Central Station Area, accessible via TransLink's SkyTrain Expo Line and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gu. 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). They perform specialized tests (like EP studies) and procedures such as catheter ablation or implanting pacemakers/defibrillators. Dr. Gu may refer patients with complex arrhythmias to an EP specialist if needed. As a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Gu specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, including performing procedures like ablation or device implantation.

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 should I bring to my first cardiology appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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. Gu.

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.

707-13737 96 Ave
Surrey, BC V3V 0C6

Phone: (604) 588-1414 | Fax: (505) 485-0849

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Gu 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/357971/Gu%2CKevin