About
Dr. Marie-Hélène Blain 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, providing compassionate and comprehensive care in accordance with the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her focus is on delivering personalized treatment plans that prioritize patient well-being and understanding.
She graduated with a Medical Degree in 1998 and holds a specialty certification in Cardiology issued on July 1, 1998. Dr. Blain completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Cardiology, including specialized rotations and certifications that ensure her expertise in managing complex cardiovascular conditions. Her training emphasizes evidence-based practices combined with a patient-centered approach.
Reassuring and patient-focused, Dr. Blain is committed to providing attentive care to her patients in Saint-Charles-Borromée. She speaks both French and English, ensuring clear communication and understanding. Her philosophy centers on building trusting relationships, educating patients about their conditions, and working collaboratively to achieve optimal heart health outcomes.
Dr. Blain provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
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.
- Evaluation for Suspected CAD: Diagnostic workup for patients with symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential blockages in the heart arteries.
- Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects, often requiring dedicated ACHD expertise.
- 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.
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Syncope (Fainting) - Cardiac Causes: Cardiovascular assessment to identify or rule out heart-related causes of fainting or loss of consciousness.
- Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
- Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) & Heart Block: Diagnosing causes of slow heart rates and conduction system problems, including assessing the need for pacemakers.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Blain 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.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Blain. 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. Blain primarily practices at the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Lanaudière, Pavillon de cardiologie, located near the central Saint-Charles-Borromée neighborhood of Saint-Charles-Borromée. The facility is conveniently accessible from nearby points of interest, including local parks and community centers. Patients can reach the location via public transit options available in the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Blain covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Blain 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. Blain?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Blain. 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. Marie-Hélène Blain communicate with my family doctor?
- Yes, effective communication is key. Dr. Blain will send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations back to your referring physician to ensure seamless coordination of your overall medical care.
- 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.
- How long are cardiology appointments usually?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Blain may take 45-75 minutes to allow for a thorough history and examination. Follow-up visits are typically shorter, around 15-30 minutes, depending on what needs to be discussed or reviewed. Please allow extra time for check-in and potential delays.
- 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 Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation. They perform specialized tests (like EP studies) and procedures such as catheter ablation or implanting pacemakers/defibrillators. Dr. Blain may refer patients with complex arrhythmias to an EP specialist if needed. As a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Blain specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, including performing procedures like ablation or device implantation.
Centre Hospitalier Régional de Lanaudière, Pavillon de cardiologie
1000 boul Sainte-Anne
Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC J6E 6J2
Phone: (450) 759-8222
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Blain 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=98192