About
With expertise in Cardiology, Dr. Matthew Trevor Bennett provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care for heart-related conditions. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region, adhering strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His practice primarily focuses on adult patients requiring specialized cardiovascular assessment and management.
Dr. Bennett graduated with a Medical Doctorate from the University of British Columbia in 2002 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology. He holds key certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his specialized expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical practice.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes professionalism, evidence-based medicine, and patient-centered care. Dr. Bennett is committed to providing thorough, compassionate, and effective cardiovascular care in Vancouver. He communicates fluently in English and strives to ensure all patients receive clear explanations and personalized treatment plans.
Dr. Bennett provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
- Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring): Medical management and monitoring of conditions affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms (in collaboration with vascular specialists).
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).
- Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
- 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. Bennett is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- 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.
- 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. Bennett. 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. Bennett primarily practices at medical facilities situated in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, BC. The location offers proximity to popular landmarks such as Kitsilano Beach and vibrant shopping and dining districts. Patients can access the facility conveniently via TransLink, including SkyTrain lines (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus services, 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. Bennett covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Bennett 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. Bennett?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bennett. 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.
- 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. Bennett's office.
- What if I experience chest pain or other urgent symptoms?
- If you experience sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms suggestive of a stroke (like sudden weakness or speech difficulty), call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately. Do not wait for an appointment. Dr. Bennett's office manages scheduled consultations and cannot provide emergency care.
- 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.
- 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. Bennett.
9th floor-2775 Laurel Ave
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
Phone: (604) 875-5069 | Fax: (604) 875-5874
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Bennett 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/326452/Bennett%2CMatthew