Dr. Richard Allen Vandegriend – Cardiologist | New Westminster, BC

As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Richard Allen Vandegriend offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in New Westminster, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based medical services. Dr. Vandegriend's focus is on providing comprehensive cardiovascular assessment and treatment tailored to individual patient needs, with particular attention to adult patients requiring specialized cardiac care.

Dr. Vandegriend graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2008 and completed extensive post-graduate training in cardiology, including fellowships and certification through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training emphasizes the latest evidence-based practices in cardiovascular medicine, ensuring patients benefit from current standards of care and innovative treatment options.

He is committed to delivering patient-centered care in New Westminster, utilizing an evidence-based and informative approach. Dr. Vandegriend is fluent in English and dedicated to fostering clear communication and understanding with his patients, ensuring they are well-informed about their cardiovascular health and treatment options.

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

Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management

• 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.
• Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease

• Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
• 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 Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.

Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy

• Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.
• Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
• 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. Vandegriend is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
• Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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. Vandegriend. 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. Vandegriend primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. The practice is conveniently accessible from the New Westminster SkyTrain Station, with proximity to TransLink services including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local buses. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vandegriend. 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. Richard Allen Vandegriend communicate with my family doctor?

Yes, effective communication is key. Dr. Vandegriend will send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations back to your referring physician to ensure seamless coordination of your overall medical care.

420 Columbia St
New Westminster, BC V3L 1B1

Phone: (604) 522-2206 | Fax: (604) 522-7206

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Vandegriend 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/333350/Vandegriend%2CRichard