About
With expertise in Cardiology, Dr. Walid Barake provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care for heart-related conditions. Practicing in Kelowna, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region, ensuring adherence to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His practice primarily focuses on adult patients, with subspecialty interests or areas of focus including general cardiology and cardiovascular risk management.
Dr. Barake graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh) from Beirut Arab University in 2010, Lebanon. He completed extensive post-graduate training in Cardiology, including fellowship training and certification through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his practice aligns with national standards for specialist care.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and evidence-based approach, dedicated to providing patient-centered care within the Kelowna community. He is committed to ongoing education and maintaining clinical excellence. Dr. Barake is fluent in English and Arabic, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population.
Dr. Barake provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management: Treatment of complex or severe cholesterol disorders, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk or medication intolerance.
- 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.
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
- Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs): Assessment and management of potentially serious irregular heartbeats originating from the lower heart chambers.
- Evaluation of Palpitations: Investigating sensations of skipped beats, fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeats to determine the underlying cause and significance.
- Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) & Heart Block: Diagnosing causes of slow heart rates and conduction system problems, including assessing the need for pacemakers.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease
- 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.
- Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Barake is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- Lipid Management (Cholesterol Treatment): Specialized management of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders using lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
- 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.
- 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. Barake. 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. Walid Barake primarily practices at medical facilities located in the central Kelowna, South Pandosy, and Downtown neighborhoods. The clinics are conveniently situated near Mission Creek Regional Park, offering a scenic environment for patient visits. The facilities are accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring ease of access for patients. The practice location is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Barake covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Barake 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. Barake?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barake. 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.
- Does Dr. Walid Barake provide refills for my heart medications?
- Dr. Barake will typically initiate or adjust specialized heart medications. However, for stable, ongoing prescriptions, refills should generally be obtained through your family doctor, who manages your overall medication list. Please ensure you have enough medication until your next family doctor visit unless instructed otherwise.
2268 Pandosy St, Kelowna General Hospital / Cardiology
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2
Phone: (250) 862-4000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Barake 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/360166/Barake%2CWalid