Cardiology

What is Cardiology

Cardiology is a branch of internal medicine that specializes in diagnosing and treating heart disorders. Some examples of heart disorders include coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, electrophysiology disorders and heart failure.

Heart disease is the number one killer in Malaysia and many countries around the world. Heart problems are usually associated with men because women produce certain hormones in their ovaries which have heart-protective properties. After menopause, however, women are at equal risk of heart problems as men. The recent decade has seen tremendous leaps in cardiology, with more emphasis on interventional cardiology through advanced technologies to prevent or delay heart failure or a heart attack. Our dedicated cardiologists go beyond providing timely intervention and treatment for your heart problems, diligently following up with post-procedural care and lifestyle changes necessary to keep your heartbeat healthy for a longer time.

Thomson Hospital Cardiology

Cardiac Investigations and Procedures

  • Coronary angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterisation
  • Percutaneous coronary interventions
  • Complex angioplasties for multi-vessel coronary artery disease
  • Primary coronary angioplasty and stenting for heart attacks
  • Peripheral angiogram (lower limb, renal and carotid arteries)
  • Interventions for congenital heart disease – atrial septal defect (ASD) & patent foramen ovale (PFO) closures
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy
  • Pacemaker implantation (single and dual chambers)
  • Transoesophageal echocardiography
  • Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) assessment of the coronary arteries
  • Fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment of the coronary arteries
  • Pericardiocentesis
  • Intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion
  • Inferior vena cava filter insertion
  • Non-invasive cardiac investigations (transthoracic echocardiogram, CT coronary angiogram, cardiac MRI scan)
  • Temporary pacemaker
  • Rotablator rotational atherectomy
  • Electrophysiology study for syncope
  • Electrophysiology study for palpitation
  • Radiofrequency ablation for tachyarrhythmias

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Meet Our Cardiology Specialists

Get to know our specialists here at Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara.

Resident Consultant

Dr Gary Lee Chin Keong

Dr Gary Lee Chin Keong


Qualifications
MBBS (IMU), MRCP (UK), Fellowship in Cardiac Electrophysiology & Pacing (Singapore)

Spoken Language
Cantonese, English, Hokkien, Malay, Mandarin


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Dr Hafisyatul Aiza Binti Zainal Abidin


Qualifications
BMedSc, MBBChBAO (Ire), MRCP (UK), Fellowship in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Germany)

Spoken Language
English, Malay


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Dr Haizal Haron Kamar

Dr Haizal Haron Kamar


Qualifications
MBBS (Newcastle upon Tyne) , MRCP (UK) , FRCP (Edin) , FACC (USA) , FSCAI , FAPSIC (Asia Pacific) , FNHAM

Spoken Language
English, Malay


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Dr Lau Gin Choy

Dr Lau Gin Choy


Qualifications
MD (Can.), MRCP (UK)

Spoken Language
Cantonese, English, Malay


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An Overview of Cardiologists

The cardiologist is the official term for a doctor who specializes in cardiology. When cardiologists treat patients suffering from cardiovascular disease, they may use any number of advanced medical procedures. Some of these procedures include percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass surgery, stenting and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

The procedure for diagnosing cardiovascular disorders will usually require the patient to undergo cardiac stress testing, blood testing, magnetic resonance image testing, and computed tomography (electrocardiography or echocardiography).

When is the Best Time to Visit a Cardiologist?

A primary care physician can detect heart-related symptoms or abnormalities. When these symptoms are detected, they will refer the patient to a cardiologist for a more detailed diagnosis.

The most common symptoms of heart problems are dizziness, shortness of breath, abnormal heart rate, chest pains and high blood pressure. Only a cardiologist has the necessary training to conduct tests for abnormal heart rates, heart murmurs and other heart abnormalities.

Based on the test results, a cardiologist will recommend the best treatment options for the patient. If the patient experienced a severe heart problem, such as a heart attack or heart failure, then the cardiologist might recommend heart surgery, angioplasty or heart catheterization.

If the patient does not have heart disease or experiences no symptoms, the cardiologist will recommend the best lifestyle choices for preventing heart disease or heart problems. Sometimes a patient’s family history could indicate that they have a higher risk of heart disease. It is even worse if the patient is a smoker or suffers from diabetes.

In most cases, the cardiologist will recommend a stable nutrition and exercise plan to preserve the patient’s heart health.

What Happens During a Visit with a Cardiologist?

The first thing a cardiologist will do is perform a physical examination on the patient and review their prior medical history. The cardiologist will examine the following areas of the patient’s health:

  • Weight
  • Lungs
  • Blood vessels
  • Blood pressure

When these elements are tested, it can tell the cardiologist a lot about the heart health of a patient.

How to Select a Cardiologist in Malaysia?

You need to take your heart health very seriously. One heart problem could put a person in a life-threatening situation. That is why it is best to take preventative action and avoid heart disease altogether. However, you must find a top-quality cardiologist in Malaysia who has the necessary training and facilities to diagnose and treat the most common heart-related health issues.

The first step is to choose a cardiologist with the proper qualifications. The next step is selecting the best hospital facility for your treatment.

After all, a cardiologist and their hospital are a package deal. You cannot have one without the other.

Being one of the best private hospitals in Malaysia, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara provides holistic treatment based on your specific physical, emotional and mental needs. The rolling green landscape surrounding the hospital adds an extra bit of ambience to our patients’ experience. There are few better hospitals to receive treatment and recover from a heart problem.

After you experience a heart complication for the first time, you must visit your doctor regularly for further medical guidance. It is much more convenient to choose a nearby hospital that you can access quickly in an emergency.

Thomson Hospital is conveniently positioned in the central alcove of Kota Damansara. There are roads linking the hospital to Kuala Lumpur and a direct link to an MRT station. The hospital is also close to many prominent neighbourhoods, such as Bandar Utama, Damansara Utama, Damansara Perdana, Tropicana and Mutiara Damansara.