About
As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Petsy Pui-Sze So offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Richmond, BC, she 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). Her focus is on providing comprehensive, patient-centered cardiology services tailored to individual needs. Subspecialty interests or areas of focus may include cardiovascular disease prevention, arrhythmia management, and heart failure care.
Dr. So graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Ottawa in 2011, completing extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology. She has obtained certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to clinical excellence and ongoing professional development. Her training encompasses advanced diagnostic techniques, interventional procedures, and evidence-based management of cardiovascular conditions.
Dedicated to delivering clear and educational clinical care, Dr. So is committed to improving heart health outcomes in Richmond. She speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, ensuring effective communication with diverse patient populations. Her approach emphasizes patient education, prevention, and collaborative decision-making to optimize cardiovascular health and wellbeing.
Dr. So provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Valvular Heart Disease
- Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.
- Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.
- Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).
- Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring): Medical management and monitoring of conditions affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms (in collaboration with vascular specialists).
- Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- 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. So 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.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- 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. So. 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. So practices primarily at medical facilities located in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood of Richmond. The clinics are conveniently situated near Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU Richmond) and Garden City Lands Park, providing a scenic and accessible environment. Patients can reach her practice easily via TransLink, with access to SkyTrain (Canada Line) and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. So covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. So 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. So?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. So. 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. So's office.
- 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. So provides expert medical management, she may refer patients to an interventional colleague if these procedures are indicated. As an Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. So performs procedures like angioplasty and stenting in addition to providing cardiology consultations.
- Can my spouse or family member come with me?
- Yes, you are welcome to bring someone with you for support or to help listen and ask questions during your appointment with Dr. So. Having another person present can often be very helpful, especially during complex discussions.
- When might my family doctor refer me to a Cardiologist?
- Referrals are common for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or fainting; abnormal ECG or stress test results; known heart conditions requiring specialist management (e.g., Stable Angina Pectoris, Cardio-Oncology Issues, Syncope - Cardiac Causes); strong family history of heart disease; or managing cardiovascular risk factors in complex patients.
1008-8181 Cambie Rd, CRC Health Centre
Richmond, BC V6X 3X9
Phone: (604) 285-3222 | Fax: (604) 394-2111
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. So 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/338842/So%2CPetsy