Women's Heart Health Referral

The Women's Heart Health Clinic offers specialized care for people who are at risk of heart disease or who have been diagnosed with heart disease. We have clinic locations across both BC Women’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital.
We provide specialized care for:
  • Cardiovascular disease primary and secondary prevention
  • Assessments of chest pain, or shortness of breath that may be related to heart health
  • A second opinion for patients with ongoing chest pain, ischemia and/or myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA or MINOCA) 

Eligibility criteria 

We accept referrals with the following criteria:
  • Individuals must be biologically female, though may identify differently in terms of gender identity
  • Individuals who live in British Columbia
  • Individuals must have two or more of the following risk factors for heart disease:
    • Overweight or obese (BMI >25)
    • Gestational diabetes
    • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
    • Dyslipidemia
    • Elevated Lp(a)
    • Hypertension or pre-hypertension (BP >130/80)
    • Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or hypertension during pregnancy
    • HIV
    • Family history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart disease in first degree relatives only (i.e. siblings or parents)
    • Premature menopause
  • Any biologically female individual who has symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or ischemic equivalent, regardless of risk factors

​Referral overview

We accept referrals from general practitioners, specialists, nurse practitioners and by self-referral.

Referral steps

1Complete documentation

Provider referrals  

Primary care providers with a patient’s most recent clinical history (i.e. symptoms, test results) should complete the referral with the below information:
  • Completed regional referral form​ (PDF)
  • Patient’s most recent blood test results
  • Any information you have regarding recent cardiac tests (i.e. stress test, angiogram, etc.), as indicated on the form

Self-referrals

Potential patients who wish to self-refer, please compile the following information:
  • Completed self referral form​ (PDF)
  • Most recent blood test results
  • Any information regarding recent cardiac tests (i.e. stress test, angiogram etc.)
  • Optional: A cover letter (maximum 1 page single-space) describing your symptoms, reasons for requesting a consultation, and any other information you think is relevant

2Submit the referral

Submit both provider referrals and self-referrals by fax to: 778-504-9785

3Post referral

Once we receive the referral form, we review and triage it. We then book eligible patients for an appointment with a nurse practitioner or a cardiologist, depending on their concern/symptoms.   

If some time has passed and you would like to confirm if your referral has been received, or to schedule an appointment if you are eligible to access care, please contact us by phone.

Referral forms

​Contact information

Women's Health Centre, entrance #77 
​Room #B432
4th floor, Shaughnessy Building
4500 Oak Street 
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3N1 

Phone: 604-875-4223
Fax: 778-504-9785