CARDIOLOGY CARE AMID COVID-19

“For patients with symptoms suggestive of heart disease or known heart disease at high risk of progression and who are closely followed by our cardiologists, we recommend that they seek help, as the risk of ignoring these high-risk symptoms, or not monitoring for disease progression is higher than the risk of COVID-19,” says Physician Lead, Dr. Yaariv Khaykin.

“Our COVID safety measures include: rigorous cleaning standards, physical distancing and PPE. ALL VISITORS/PATIENTS MUST WEAR A MASK THAT COVERS THE NOSE, MOUTH AND CHIN (A FACE SHIELD WITHOUT A MASK IS NOT PERMITTED). As all patients, staff and visitors are screened, the risk of contracting COVID during the patient visit to PACE offices is likely much lower than at their grocery store or any other community venue.”

For the safety of our staff and patients, visiting our clinics may look a bit these days. We have strategically planned the flow of our clinics to follow mandated physical distancing rules. Rather than sitting in our main waiting rooms, you may be asked to sit in an empty exam room or hallway. Having specific chairs assigned for specific cardiac technicians/testing rooms is part of this process. Furthermore, since all staff wear face shields and masks, voices can be muffled at times. Please don’t hesitate to ask staff to repeat instructions if you require clarification. You will also see less staff at our front desks, as we are maintaining physical distancing.

With respect to telemedicine, PACE continues to offer virtual care. For videoconferencing, patients can use a smart phone, tablet or a computer (equipped with a microphone and camera). But, a regular telephone call also works just fine, too. All appointments are covered by OHIP. Our clinics are open for full cardiac testing services and urgent cardiology consultations.

We are able to offer ambulatory monitoring services at our clinics and remotely (remote devices are limited to 72 hour and 14 day holters). The monitoring devices will be shipped to the patient and back to us for analysis, if ordered. Patients will not have to come back to our clinics to have the monitor applied, or to return the monitor. Patients can also perform ECGs at home using a HeartCheck CardiBeat Handheld ECG device, which is available for purchase at our clinics or online (see our virtual care section).

Virtual care is available for all PACE Cardiology patients. New patients will require a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
 For more information on our virtual care program, or to make an appointment, call 1-888-662-0680, or email us at info@pace-cardiology.com.

Generally speaking, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe — and strongly recommended — for most people (16 and over) with a heart condition. “Getting vaccinated is especially important for people with heart disease,” said Dr. Yaariv Khaykin, physician lead at PACE Cardiology. “That’s because people with heart disease or stroke are at a much greater risk from the virus than they are from the vaccine.” So, when you are eligible to be vaccinated, don’t delay.