Dr. Margaret Blackwell

Cardiologist

New Westminster, BC

Contact info

Dr. Margaret Blackwell Bio

If you are looking for local services or treatment in the office or hospital from a Cardiologist, contact a provider such as ( Dr. Margaret Blackwell ) to inquire if they are accepting patients or you need a referral. Phone number to book an appointment 604-515-2912 ( Dr. Margaret Blackwell )

The speaker in the video may have no association with ( Dr. Margaret Blackwell, Cardiologist New Westminster, BC ).
( Dr. Margaret Blackwell, Cardiologist New Westminster, BC ), may talk about some of the conditions and some of the treatment options shown on the videos. Always talk with your Local Cardiologist about the information you learnt from the videos in regards to Atrial Fibrillation treatments and procedures the Local Cardiologist could perform and if they would be appropriate for you. Remember good information from your Local Cardiologist is the corner stone to understanding your Coronary Microvascular Disease condition or disease.

Please contact ( Dr. Margaret Blackwell, Cardiologist New Westminster, BC ) to enquire if this health care provider is accepting new patients. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia, that can increase your risk of heart failure, stroke, blood clots and other heart conditions. It’s normal to feel stressed and anxious about undergoing a procedure for your atrial fibrillation. Everyone does. But keep in mind that we have a whole team of people involved in order to help reduce your stress and anxiety. Coronary artery disease: As plaque builds up it narrows your coronary arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. This decreased blood flow can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations and sweating. A complete blockage can lead to a heart attack.

Heart disease symptoms depend on the type of heart disease you have. However, there are some common cardiovascular disease symptoms that many people experience including:

Atrial fibrillation isn't usually life threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that requires treatment. If you experience atrial fibrillation symptoms, consult with your doctor. Your physician may recommend an electrocardiogram to diagnose your heart condition. The goal of atrial fibrillation treatment is to restore your normal heart rate and rhythm and prevent blood clots

For Heart Disease: Eggplants uniquely high potassium and soluble fibre content make it a particularly
good for heart health because potassium contributes to blood pressure lowering and soluble fibre
contributes to cholesterol lowering. High blood pressure and cholesterol are two of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

It's important for younger people to be aware of their cardiovascular risk factors, and to do their best to modify them. In particular I think exercise is a critical part of risk reduction, and it's important to have at least half an hour of exercise three times a week. Diet is a big part as well. A low salt diet, low fat diet, high in fruits and vegetables, alcohol moderation is important as well.

And obviously reducing the major risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes control, pays very well long-term dividends. It's important for young people to be informed of their heart disease risk factors and to deal with them before they develop an event rather than after. And, certainly the relationship with their Cardiologist physician is crucial in terms of long term awareness and control of the risk factors.

Its worth noting that the prognosis for individuals with heart failure can vary depending on the severity of the condition and other factors. Some individuals may experience stable heart failure with minimal symptoms, while others may require more intensive medical interventions. Regular follow-up visits with healthcare professionals are essential to monitor the condition, adjust medications as needed, and provide ongoing guidance and support.

Overall, while heart failure is a serious condition, it can be effectively managed with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and support from loved ones. By adhering to the recommended treatment plan and making necessary adjustments to one's lifestyle, many people with heart failure can lead full and enjoyable lives.

Atrial Impulses: In a normal heart rhythm, the electrical impulses that originate in the sinoatrial (SA) node, often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker, regulate the heart's rhythm. These impulses travel through the atria, causing them to contract and push blood into the ventricles. In atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver or fibrillate rather than contract effectively. This results in a rapid and irregular heartbeat, with electrical signals firing chaotically and haphazardly, potentially reaching rates of up to 400 impulses per minute.
Ventricular Response: Since the atria are not contracting efficiently in AF, the ventricles receive irregular and rapid impulses from the atria. As a result, the ventricles also contract irregularly and at a fast rate (typically between 80 and 180 beats per minute). This irregular and often rapid heartbeat can compromise the heart's pumping function, reducing its ability to effectively move blood through the chambers and out to the body's organs and tissues.
Blood Stasis and Clot Formation: The inefficient contraction of the atria in AF can lead to blood stasis or pooling in the atria. When blood remains stagnant for longer periods, it becomes more prone to forming clots. These clots can develop in the atria and, if dislodged, can travel through the bloodstream. If a clot reaches a cerebral artery in the brain, it can block blood flow and lead to a stroke.
Stroke Risk: Atrial fibrillation is a significant risk factor for stroke. The formation of blood clots in the atria and their potential to cause a stroke underscores the importance of appropriate management and anticoagulation therapy for individuals with AF. Blood-thinning medications, such as anticoagulants, are often prescribed to reduce the risk of clot formation and stroke.

It's crucial for individuals with atrial fibrillation to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan that addresses the underlying causes, controls the heart rhythm, manages symptoms, and reduces the risk of complications such as stroke. Regular medical follow-ups, lifestyle modifications, and adherence to prescribed treatments are key components of managing atrial fibrillation effectively.

Education

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Prevention ( 105 engaged.)

Open and print the Tips for treatment and management that you can discuss with your Healthcare professional or for you personal information purposes.

Rate Dr. Margaret Blackwell, Cardiologist, New Westminster BC, Heart Failure NOW

Information

Did you feel you were provided enough information on your condition and medications?

Education

Were you provided with educational material, video or written?

Local Services

Were local support services indicated or referred?

Action Plan

Did you leave the office with the feeling you have been provided with the best course of action to deal with your situation?

Comments

In addition to your personal comments on your rating please tell us what content or resources would help you on your journey to optimal health.

50 characters minimum. Current character count: 0

We are focused on teaching, educating and collaborating with you on your needs and questions so that you can form your own personal action plan.

Ratings for Dr. Margaret Blackwell, Cardiologist, New Westminster BC, Heart Failure NOW

2
Information

2
Education

2
Local Services

2
Action Plan

Dr. Margaret Blackwell, Local Cardiologist, New Westminster BC Treated my atrial fibrillation

Submitted: September 25, 2022
1
Information

1
Education

1
Local Services

1
Action Plan

I have seen many specialists in my lifetime due to my heart condition and this is by FAR the WORST doctor I have encountered. Not only is she disrespectful of her patients' time, she is extremely condescending and rude. Dr. Blackwell treats her patients as inferior, do not expect respect form her. She does not have a grain of compassion in her body — she has left me incredibly uncomfortable under her care. Please do not see this horrible and unkind doctor. Doctors like her make me question the responsibility of Canada’s healthcare system. I cannot express the urgency for her to be monitored and reevaluated as soon as possible.

Submitted: April 24, 2021
1
Information

1
Education

1
Local Services

1
Action Plan

I have seen many specialists in my lifetime due to my heart condition and this is by FAR the WORST doctor I have encountered. Not only is she disrespectful of her patients' time, she is extremely condescending and rude. Dr. Blackwell treats her patients as inferior, do not expect respect form her. She does not have a grain of compassion in her body — she has left me incredibly uncomfortable under her care. Please do not see this horrible and unkind doctor. Doctors like her make me question the responsibility of Canada’s healthcare system. I cannot express the urgency for her to be monitored and reevaluated as soon as possible.

Submitted: June 13, 2020
1
Information

3
Education

1
Local Services

1
Action Plan

I was referred to Dr. Blackwell years ago by my GP. I came all the way from a small town in Northern BC. Her office gave me the month and time I was scheduled to see Dr. Blackwell. I waited for 7 months. I took the plane to Vancouver, booked a hotel 1 day before my appointment with her. I was there 1/2 hour early. I took a cab just so I won't get lost in a big city and be there in her clinic on time. When I finally saw her, it was no longer than 10 minutes only for her to say, " I'd better see a cardiologist somewhere else." This was the truth and not an exaggeration. She was heartless and never even took my blood pressure or took the names of the blood pressure pills I was given by my GP and she never asked to send me for another round of tests given that it was 7 months ago that I had an appointment with her. Doctors like Blackwell must be monitored by our Canada Health Care Act. These doctors graduated from the medical field with no more than the Social Philosophy course they took and no longer cared if that one of the most important components of their profession. I would our health system to impose a survey of every specialist there is given the months of wait time, the location of the patients' geographical origins in each province and the gravity or urgency of a patients' conditions. General Medical doctors, in good faith refer patients because these doctors have just not take the specialization involved to analyze and treat certain serious medical conditions. The GP's are paid less than the specialist and specialists must take time to earn the money paid to them by our health care. But above the payment comes the value that is attached to a profession. Would you rate good a plumber who will charge you a call in fee and would do less than what Home Depot consultant already told you? The analogy is not very smart, even seemed pointless but my point is doctors like her should face consequences and they don't. Fast-forward the years; I got a good medical advice, a combination of medicines from a struggling medical specialist in the outskirts of the Northern part of BC and the follow up of a real committed family doctor. Blackwell has not served my purpose, has not claimed a worthy insurance claim on my behalf and became a contributing nerd in our health care system’s failure. Doctors like Blackwell should be evaluated. Health Care Canada is already spending billions of dollars on health care dealing with wait times, lack of enough practitioners, etc. Has it even occurred to our legislators that part of the problem might be the specialists themselves who don’t do a good job? Has it ever occurred to our government that patients go on a parade to one specialist to another because these specialists fail their patients? What would the GP’s do? Refer the patient to another specialized doctor. How many times has it occurred?

Submitted: June 09, 2018
1
Information

1
Education

1
Local Services

1
Action Plan

This doctor is very nasty. She doesn't tolerate questions. She will time your visitation no more than 5 minutes. This doctor is only using patients as a source of income, so that she can bill MSP

Submitted: May 14, 2017

Dr. Margaret Blackwell, Cardiologist, New Westminster BC, Heart Failure NOW

Cardiologist

If you have a heart condition or symptoms of a heart condition such as obesity, atrial fibrillation, stroke or heart murmur, your local family physician will refer you to a local cardiologist. A local cardiologist is a medical provider who diagnoses and treats diseases of the cardiovascular system and blood vessels. A local cardiologist may perform surgeries such as ablation, coronary angioplasty, stent implementation and pacemaker surgery. Or, they may refer you to a local cardiothoracic surgeon to perform the surgery.

If you have a heart condition or are recovering from heart surgery, your local cardiologist may recommend heart medications and/or lifestyle changes like quitting drinking and smoking, getting more exercise or eating low-sodium, low-fat foods. A local cardiologist can also work with your other healthcare providers, from your local registered dietitian to your local Pilates instructor. If you’d like to learn how a local cardiologist may help you manage your heart condition such as a genetic cardiac condition or COPD, talk to your local family physician.

The Canadian Heart Rhythm Society mission is to improve the care of patients through research, advocacy, education and development of best practices in the field of heart rhythm disorders.

If you have any more questions about your atrial fibrillation or whether you may be a potential candidate for ablation for your atrial fibrillation, feel free to contact your local health professional, your cardiologist, or have them refer you to the heart rhythm program here at Southlake Regional Health Centre, where we’ll be happy to do a consultation.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in North America. Heart disease refers to many conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), congenital heart defects and more. Seeing your local cardiolgist is agreat palce to be edcuated.

In many cases, heart disease can be prevented by controlling risk factors. Risk factors for heart disease include obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and diabetes. The best place to start is with your physician – he or she can help you get on the right track with diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications.

For Heart Disease: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and one of the most
common reasons why North Americans are prescribed medication.One of the big dietary drivers of heart disease is an imbalance between dietary sodium and potassium content, with tomatoes being an excellent potassium source their inclusion can contribute to improved heart health and reduced disease risk.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia, that can increase your risk of heart failure, stroke, blood clots and other heart conditions. A normal heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat, but if you have atrial fibrillation, the atria (upper chambers) beat out of sync with the ventricles (lower chambers). This can cause blood to pool in your atria, causing blood clots that travel to your brain and cause a stroke.

Cardiac ablation is a procedure that can correct heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). Cardiac ablation works by scarring or destroying tissue in your heart that triggers or sustains an abnormal heart rhythm.

The main types of cardiovascular disease seen in practice related to atherosclerosis, or fatty deposit in the arteries. And this can manifest as angina or chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and sometimes as problems with the peripheral blood vessels, usually a narrowing of these vessels. As time goes on, atrial fibrillation is becoming much more of an issue as the population ages, and this is an irregularity of the top chambers of the heart beat, which is very related to older individuals.A number of things can be done to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, and also to minimize the chance of future cardiovascular events in individuals who have already been diagnosed with heart disease, or has had an event such as a heart attack or stroke. In particular, getting into a regular exercise program makes a huge difference to the subsequent risk. And patients should be encouraged to exercise for at least half an hour for at least three days a week, and the more the better, really, in terms of exercise.

Diet is a huge part of it as well. Certainly patients should be encouraged to reduce the amount of salt in their diet, and certainly the amount of fat as well. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is recommended as well.
Smoking cessation is a pretty obvious way to reduce subsequent risk. And then there's the control of the major risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, and often this requires medications.

Stress reduction is a significant part of the treatment of heart disease as well as the prevention of it, and individuals should be encouraged to reduce the amount of stress in their life.
Often this involves working less, exercising more, and just taking the time to deal with their health issues.
Moderation of alcohol intake is another factor that can reduce subsequent cardiovascular risk. And there is some data that having up to two drinks a day may be beneficial in terms of reducing risk. But certainly if individuals have health concerns they should see their local practitioner and explore their cardiovascular risk and ways to reduce it

Heart failure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and aldosterone antagonists, help to reduce symptoms, improve heart function, and prevent further damage to the heart. These medications are prescribed based on the individual's specific condition and needs.

In addition to medication, adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for managing heart failure. This includes following a heart-healthy diet low in salt and saturated fats, engaging in regular physical activity as tolerated, managing stress, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight. These lifestyle changes can significantly improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and enhance overall well-being.

Furthermore, the support of family and friends plays a vital role in managing heart failure. Having a strong support system who understands the condition and can provide emotional support can be immensely helpful. It is important for loved ones to be aware of the symptoms and potential limitations of heart failure, and to be supportive of the lifestyle changes and medical treatment required.

Cardiologists are medical doctors who may be a member of Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and cardiovascular diseases. They play a crucial role in the management of patients with pacemakers. Here are a few reasons why a patient with a pacemaker may need to see a cardiologist:

Pacemaker implantation: Cardiologists are responsible for the initial assessment and decision-making regarding pacemaker implantation. They evaluate the patient's medical history, perform necessary tests, and determine if a pacemaker is necessary.
Follow-up care: After pacemaker implantation, regular follow-up visits with a cardiologist are essential. These visits involve checking the pacemaker function, monitoring the heart's electrical activity, and ensuring the device is working optimally.
Battery replacement: As mentioned earlier, pacemaker batteries typically last for 10 to 15 years. When the battery nears depletion, a cardiologist will perform a simple procedure to replace it. This usually requires a short stay in the hospital for a few hours.
Pacemaker troubleshooting: In case of any issues with the pacemaker, such as malfunctioning or inappropriate pacing, a cardiologist is responsible for diagnosing and addressing the problem. They may perform tests, adjust programming, or even replace the device if necessary.
Adjusting pacemaker settings: Cardiologists can fine-tune the pacemaker settings based on the patient's specific needs. They can adjust parameters like heart rate, sensitivity, and response to activity levels to optimize the device's performance and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Managing underlying heart conditions: Pacemakers are primarily used to regulate heart rhythm. However, patients with pacemakers often have other heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or coronary artery disease. Cardiologists are skilled in managing these conditions and ensuring comprehensive care for the patient.
Coordinating with other specialists: Cardiologists often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists, and cardiac rehabilitation specialists, to provide comprehensive care to patients with pacemakers.

Overall, cardiologists play a vital role in the care and management of patients with pacemakers, ensuring their devices function optimally and helping them lead healthier lives.

People with AF should be mindful of their lifestyle choices and medications to help manage and reduce the risk of arrhythmia episodes. Here are some additional points to consider regarding daily habits, alcohol consumption, and over-the-counter medications for individuals with AF:

Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can have a significant impact on heart rhythm, and excessive alcohol consumption can trigger or exacerbate atrial fibrillation episodes. It's recommended that individuals with AF limit their alcohol intake, or in some cases, avoid it altogether. If you choose to drink, it's best to do so in moderation and be aware of how alcohol affects your heart rhythm.
Caffeine and Stimulants: While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe for most people, some individuals with AF may be sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants. It's a good idea to monitor how your body responds to caffeine and other stimulants, and consider reducing or eliminating them if they seem to trigger or worsen your arrhythmia.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Many over-the-counter medications, including cold and flu remedies, pain relievers, and decongestants, contain stimulants or other compounds that could potentially trigger or interact with your AF medications. Before taking any OTC medication, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure it's safe and won't interfere with your AF treatment.
Healthy Diet and Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy diet and managing your weight can positively impact your heart health and reduce the risk of AF episodes. Eating a balanced diet that's low in saturated fats, sodium, and processed foods can contribute to better heart health.
Stress Management: Stress and anxiety can sometimes contribute to AF episodes. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help manage stress levels and potentially reduce the frequency of arrhythmia episodes.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular, moderate exercise under the guidance of your healthcare provider can help improve cardiovascular health and overall well-being. However, intense or strenuous exercise may trigger AF in some individuals, so it's important to discuss your exercise routine with your doctor.
Medication Adherence: It's crucial to take your prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider. Skipping doses or stopping medications without medical guidance can lead to uncontrolled arrhythmia and potential complications.

Remember, each person's experience with atrial fibrillation can vary, and what triggers or exacerbates AF episodes for one person may not apply to another. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized management plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you lead a healthy and fulfilling life despite your diagnosis.

The Cardiologists are in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canadaand in good standing with the Canadian Cardiovascular Association and the Canadian Medical Association

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador

Northwest Territories

Nunavut

United States of America

National Provider Identifier (NPI)

This content is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.