About
As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Rudy Chek Man Chow offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. 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 role focuses on providing comprehensive adult cardiology services, with a dedication to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
Dr. Chow graduated with a Medical Doctor (MD) degree from the University of British Columbia in 2007 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including residency and fellowship programs. He holds certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his specialized expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards in cardiology practice.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes professionalism, thoroughness, and compassion. Dr. Chow is committed to delivering high-quality care to patients in Vancouver and speaks both English and Cantonese, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population. He prioritizes individualized treatment plans and collaborates closely with referring physicians to optimize health outcomes.
Dr. Chow provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
- Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.
- Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management: Treatment of complex or severe cholesterol disorders, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk or medication intolerance.
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.
- Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.
- Evaluation for Suspected CAD: Diagnostic workup for patients with symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential blockages in the heart arteries.
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
- Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
- Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Chow is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- 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.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
- Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Chow. 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. Chow primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Mount Pleasant East neighbourhood of Vancouver, near Harbour Centre. The location is easily accessible via TransLink services including the SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), 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. Chow covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Chow 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. Chow?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chow. 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 does a Cardiologist specialize in?
- A Cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system). This includes conditions like coronary artery disease (Aortic Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation)), heart attacks, heart failure (Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats like Management Post-Heart Transplant), valve problems, and high blood pressure.
- 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 important is lifestyle in managing my heart condition?
- Lifestyle choices are extremely important for both preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. Adopting heart-healthy habits – like regular physical activity, a balanced diet low in sodium and unhealthy fats, smoking cessation, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight – can significantly improve outcomes and complement medical treatments recommended by Dr. Chow.
- Does Dr. Chow replace my family doctor for general care?
- No, Dr. Chow focuses specifically on your cardiovascular health as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor remains central to your overall healthcare, managing other health issues and coordinating routine care. Dr. Chow collaborates closely with your family doctor, providing reports and recommendations.
3080 Prince Edward St, Cardiac Care 3A, Mount St Joseph Hospital
Vancouver, BC V5T 3N4
Phone: (604) 877-8192 | Fax: (604) 877-8199
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Chow 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/330897/Chow%2CRudy