Dr. Stephen Fort – Cardiologist | Kelowna, BC

As a skilled Cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Fort offers expert cardiovascular care and management for adult patients. Practicing in Kelowna, 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 care. Dr. Fort’s focus is on providing comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, diagnosis, and treatment tailored to individual patient needs, with a particular interest in managing complex heart conditions and risk factors.

Dr. Fort graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from the University of Leeds in 1984, United Kingdom. He completed extensive post-graduate training in Cardiology, including fellowship programs and certifications. His credentials include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cardiology practice.

With a clear and educational approach, Dr. Fort is dedicated to delivering patient-centered care in Kelowna. He communicates in English and emphasizes thorough explanations to help patients understand their cardiovascular health and treatment options. His clinical philosophy centers on prevention, early detection, and personalized care to promote optimal heart health and overall well-being.

Dr. Fort 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.
• 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.

Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)

• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Evaluation and management of various types of rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter: Diagnosis, rhythm and rate control strategies, and assessment for stroke prevention therapy (anticoagulation).
• Syncope (Fainting) - Cardiac Causes: Cardiovascular assessment to identify or rule out heart-related causes of fainting or loss of consciousness.

Other Cardiovascular Conditions

• Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
• 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.

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Fort 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.
• Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
• 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.
• Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
• Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Fort. 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. Fort’s practice is primarily based at medical facilities in the central Kelowna, South Pandosy, and Downtown neighborhoods. The clinics are conveniently located near Mission Creek Regional Park and Orchard Park Mall Area. Patients can easily access services via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fort. 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, ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs), heart attacks, heart failure (Bradycardia and Heart Block), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats like Congestive Heart Failure with Systolic & Diastolic), valve problems, and high blood pressure.

2606 Pandosy St, Cardiology Associates
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1V6

Phone: (250) 762-9211 | Fax: (250) 762-8337

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Fort 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/335413/Fort%2CStephen