About
As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Sharon Shiaw Yun Chih offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the local community and surrounding regions, adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Chih provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, focusing on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and personalized management strategies to improve cardiovascular health.
Dr. Chih graduated with a Medical Degree from The University of Western Australia Faculty of Medicine in 1999. She has been practicing as a specialist in Cardiology since 2014, after completing extensive postgraduate medical training in the field. Her certification process included rigorous training and examinations, ensuring her expertise aligns with national and provincial standards.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in evidence-based medicine, emphasizing thorough evaluation and individualized patient care. Committed to serving the Ottawa community, she communicates fluently in English and strives to deliver clear, compassionate, and informed healthcare to all her patients.
Dr. Chih 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.
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter: Diagnosis, rhythm and rate control strategies, and assessment for stroke prevention therapy (anticoagulation).
- Evaluation of Palpitations: Investigating sensations of skipped beats, fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeats to determine the underlying cause and significance.
- Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
Valvular Heart Disease
- Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
- Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.
- Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions: Evaluation and management of less common conditions affecting the right-sided heart valves.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Chih is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Ambulatory ECG (Holter & Event Monitor) Interpretation: Analyzing recordings from portable heart monitors worn for 24 hours up to several weeks to diagnose intermittent arrhythmias or correlate symptoms with heart rhythm.
- 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.
- Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Chih. 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 Ontario (CPSO).
Dr. Chih's practice is primarily based at reputable medical facilities in the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, and Westboro East neighborhoods of Ottawa. The location is conveniently situated near the National Arts Centre (Southam Hall entrance) and Sparks Street Mall, making it accessible for patients in the downtown core. The site can be reached via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Chih covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Chih are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Chih?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chih. 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 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. Chih.
- 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. Chih's office.
- 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.
40 Ruskin Street
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7
Phone: (613) 696-7327 | Fax: (613) 696-7359
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Chih is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chih-Sharon-Shiaw-Yun/0261952-92667