About
With expertise in Cardiology, Dr. Krishnan Ramanathan provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care for heart-related conditions. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region, adhering to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His primary focus is on delivering patient-centered cardiovascular care to adults, with a commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous medical education.
Dr. Ramanathan graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from the University of Otago in 1988, New Zealand. He completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including residency and fellowship programs, and obtained certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training emphasizes a thorough understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology, diagnostics, and management strategies.
He is dedicated to providing clear and educational clinical care, ensuring patients understand their conditions and treatment options. Dr. Ramanathan is committed to serving the Vancouver community with compassion and professionalism. Fluency in English and Tamil allows him to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations, fostering trust and informed decision-making.
Dr. Ramanathan provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
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.
- Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.
- Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Evaluation of Palpitations: Investigating sensations of skipped beats, fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeats to determine the underlying cause and significance.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Evaluation and management of various types of rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles.
- Syncope (Fainting) - Cardiac Causes: Cardiovascular assessment to identify or rule out heart-related causes of fainting or loss of consciousness.
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
- Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
- Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management: Treatment of complex or severe cholesterol disorders, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk or medication intolerance.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Ramanathan 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.
- 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.
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Ramanathan. 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. Ramanathan's practice is primarily based at St. Paul's Hospital, located in the Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood of Vancouver. The hospital is conveniently situated near City Square Shopping Centre. Patients can access the location via TransLink, including SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as by bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Ramanathan covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Ramanathan 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. Ramanathan?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ramanathan. 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 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.
- 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.
St. Paul's Hospital
475-1081 Burrard St, St Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
Phone: (604) 806-8356 | Fax: (604) 806-9927
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ramanathan 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/325310/Ramanathan%2CKrishnan