Covid-19 Cardiology Care

CARDIOLOGY CARE AMID COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is monitored closely and patient safety remains our highest priority. Pace Cardiology is pleased to offer full cardiac testing services and both virtual and in-person cardiac consultations.

As per guidelines from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, our cardiologists balance in-person and virtual patient visits based on the individual clinical need of the patient.

Telemedicine appointments are available for all PACE Cardiology patients. New patients will require a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner. All appointments are covered by OHIP.

Pace Cardiology follows the most recent Ministry of Health COVID-19 integrated testing and case guidelines to ensure cardiac care is provided safely. On-site testing continues to be provided safely. Staff follow: 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). All patients, staff and visitors are screened prior to entering our clinics.

Along with on-site testing, we also offer remote ambulatory monitoring services (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).

Vaccine safety and heart patients Generally speaking, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe — and strongly recommended — for eligible individuals. “Getting vaccinated is especially important for people with heart conditions,” 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.” Adhering to provincial guidelines, PACE physicians will only provide COVID-19 vaccine exemptions only on extremely rare occasions.

For further information on medical exemptions, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website, or the website of your local health unit.