Dr. Vahid Akbari – Cardiologist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Vahid Akbari is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in Thunder Bay, ON, he serves patients from the surrounding region. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring comprehensive and safe cardiovascular care. Dr. Akbari provides thorough assessments and personalized treatment plans aimed at improving cardiovascular health outcomes for his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Mashhad University of Medical Science in 1999 in Iran. Since 2022, he has been practicing as a specialist in Cardiology, having completed extensive post-graduate medical training in the field. His qualifications include certification in advanced cardiovascular diagnostics and management, enabling him to offer evidence-based care for a broad spectrum of heart conditions.

With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Akbari is committed to delivering patient-centered care within Thunder Bay. He speaks English fluently and prioritizes clear communication and compassionate service, ensuring his patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their treatment journey.

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

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.
• Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).
• Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)

• Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
• Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) & Heart Block: Diagnosing causes of slow heart rates and conduction system problems, including assessing the need for pacemakers.
• Evaluation of Palpitations: Investigating sensations of skipped beats, fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeats to determine the underlying cause and significance.

Valvular Heart Disease

• Aortic Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation): Monitoring valve function, managing symptoms, and determining the appropriate timing for valve intervention (repair or replacement).
• Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
• 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. Akbari 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.
• Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
• Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Akbari. 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. Akbari primarily practices at Meno Ya Win Hospital in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The hospital is conveniently located near the Intercity Shopping Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Accessibility is facilitated via Thunder Bay Transit, providing easy transit options for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the hospital for patients’ convenience.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Akbari covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

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

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Akbari. 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 Interventional Cardiologist?

An Interventional Cardiologist is a Cardiologist with additional specialized training in performing catheter-based procedures like angioplasty and stenting to treat blocked coronary arteries. While Dr. Akbari provides expert medical management, he may refer patients to an interventional colleague if these procedures are indicated. As an Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Akbari performs procedures like angioplasty and stenting in addition to providing cardiology consultations.

Meno Ya Win Hospital
1165 Barton St
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5N3

Phone: (807) 345-3355 | Fax: (807) 345-0099

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Akbari 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/Akbari-Vahid/0326901-117742