About
As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Sayeh Zielke offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Lethbridge, AB, she serves patients from the surrounding region. She adheres to the highest standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring comprehensive and safe medical services. Dr. Zielke provides personalized care in Cardiology, focusing on diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart-related conditions with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Zielke graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Ottawa in 2005 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology. She holds certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC), and Certificate of Special Competence in Cardiology (SPEC COMP). Her rigorous training and certifications reflect her dedication to maintaining excellence in cardiovascular medicine.
Her clinical philosophy is centered around reassuring, patient-focused care. Dr. Zielke is committed to building trusting relationships with her patients in Lethbridge, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their healthcare journey. She speaks English fluently and is dedicated to addressing each patient's unique concerns with empathy and professionalism.
Dr. Zielke provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Valvular Heart Disease
- Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
- Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.
- Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter: Diagnosis, rhythm and rate control strategies, and assessment for stroke prevention therapy (anticoagulation).
- Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) & Heart Block: Diagnosing causes of slow heart rates and conduction system problems, including assessing the need for pacemakers.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Evaluation and management of various types of rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles.
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
- Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
- 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).
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Zielke is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Zielke. 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 Alberta (CPSA).
Dr. Zielke primarily practices at the Sayeh Zielke Clinic in Lethbridge, located in the Downtown area within the South Lethbridge East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Park Place Mall and Exhibition Park, making it easily accessible for patients from the city and surrounding regions. Patients can reach the clinic via Lethbridge Transit, which provides reliable public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Zielke covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Zielke are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Zielke?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zielke. 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 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.
- What are some common heart tests Dr. Zielke might order?
- Common tests include: Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), Stress Test (treadmill or chemical), Holter monitoring (24hr+ ECG), and blood tests (e.g., cholesterol, kidney function). Depending on your situation, she might also consider Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cardiac CT, MRI, or referral for Cardiac Catheterization if needed. The reason for each test will be explained.
- 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. Zielke's office.
Sayeh Zielke Clinic Lethbridge
1605 9 Ave S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W2
Phone: (587) 425-3246 | Fax: (587) 425-3247
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Zielke is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=1d458f2e-f77b-41e5-b6c8-667fd09b5f25&i=1620