Kandice VincentMy grandmother had to get an angiogram last month, but unfortunately, the clinic she went to didn’t quite live up to expectations.
The wait was long, the doctor seemed rushed, and she felt confused about the whole process. It made what should have been a straightforward procedure feel stressful and overwhelming.
That’s when I realized how important it is to choose the right clinic for something as vital as an angiogram or angiography, where care and communication are top-notch.
To make sure you or your loved ones have a better experience, here are the best places in Toronto that offer angiograms with excellent care!
How much does an angiogram cost in Toronto?
If covered by Ontario’s public health insurance (OHIP), an angiogram is generally free for Toronto residents. However, in private clinics or for those without coverage, the cost can range from $1,000 to $3,000.
The cost of an angiogram can vary depending on the clinic and whether you’re accessing public healthcare or a private facility.
1. Peter Munk Cardiac Centre
The Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) is an institution that specializes in treating heart and vascular diseases.
We learned that the centre focuses on six areas of cardiovascular care, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and heart rhythm disorders. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for top-notch care, especially for coronary angiograms.
Their coronary angiogram is an invasive but necessary step in diagnosing heart problems. It’s basically an X-ray of your heart’s arteries, which helps doctors see if there are any blockages.
Before the procedure, you’ll need to have a blood test, and nurses will monitor your heart and blood pressure throughout. Meaning, you don’t need to worry since you’d be under their watchful eyes.
The procedure itself takes about an hour, but you’ll need to be there for most of the day.
Just a heads up—some of their receptionists come across as a bit rude.
World-class facility for heart issues
“I have been going to Peter Munk for just over 5 years and I can’t say enough great things about this place. Every person I have ever dealt with has been awesome. It’s such a busy place and tensions are high, but that doesn’t stop the staff from being friendly and helpful. The 5th floor is where I spend most of my time now. Check ups and blood work. Check up and blood work. I am thankful every day that I have access to this world class facility for my heart issues.”
Michael Cusden, Google Review
Shout out to the fantastic staff!!
“Can we all just give a shout out to the fantastic staff!! They have always been kind, patient and willing to problem solve and help. Not to mention they actually pick up the phone when you call or return your messages. My specialist doctors are top notch and, as well, always willing to problem solve for the best path forward. Thank you!”
Hilary Rigo, Google Review
2. Riverside Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging
Riverside Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging has cardiologists who are also affiliated with St. Joseph’s Health Centre and the University of Toronto. They provide expert care while also teaching the next generation of doctors as adjunct faculty members.
They specialize in coronary angiograms, performed at St. Michael’s and Toronto Western Hospital. Riverside also has strong connections with other top Toronto hospitals, making referrals smooth and efficient.
One of the clinic’s top cardiologists is Dr. Lukasz Drzymala. He graduated from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and he’s also a board-certified member of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.
As for the facility, they have ample free parking, which we think patients, especially the mobility-challenged, will appreciate.
Several people, however, had an issue with their confusing booking process, which they struggled with.
Such a well-managed clinic
“The staff here are so amazing and it’s such a well-managed clinic. Everybody was very attentive. Maria was the best as she explained everything while booking the appointment and was very kind and patient in explaining the process on test day.”
Waqas Shahid, Google Review
Very efficient and demonstrated great people skills
“Very impressed with two recent visits. Greeted with smiles from reception staff. After a short wait, tech staff took over to administer testing prior to seeing the physician. Very efficient and demonstrated great people skills. Then it was on to see Dr.R. Choi to discuss diagnosis and related issues. His level of care and expertise was evident and it proved a very pleasant encounter. I look forward to my next appointment with Dr. Choi in one year.”
Patrick Tracey, Google Review
3. Toronto Cardiac Clinic
Toronto Cardiac Clinic is a go-to spot for heart care. The doctors here aim to understand each patient’s unique needs, providing personalized care from start to finish.
They specialize in invasive cardiac diagnostics, like diagnostic angiograms, which are performed at TGH and Southlake Regional Health Centre. They’re also connected with some of Toronto’s top hospitals, including Toronto Western and St. Michael’s.
Before the angiogram, patients have a preoperative consultation with a physician, so they’ll know exactly what to expect. You can see one of the clinic’s three interventional cardiologists and four heart rhythm specialists.
Another cool feature of the clinic is the “My Heart Path” app, which offers handy resources and heart health education.
While most patients are happy with their care, we did hear about booking errors, which can be annoying.
Excellent clinic, I was treated incredibly well
“Excellent clinic, I was treated incredibly well and helped by Caroline.She was extremely efficient in booking all my appointments in short time. She followed me via email to make sure I knew what to bring and do before each different test. I recommend this clinic and all the staff, especially Caroline.TKS”
Licia Cappai, Google Review
Staff was polite and friendly
“I had a number of tests done at the clinic today and overall, it was a very pleasant experience. Everything ran smoothly, I was out earlier than expected and the staff was polite and friendly. Both Kareem and Yuki (which are the only names I can remember) were professional and good-humored. And as others have mentioned, the receptionist is welcoming and enthusiastic.”
Michael Gravelle, Google Review
4. Lawrence Park Cardiology
Lawrence Park Cardiology (LPC), led by Dr. Eugene Crystal, is a great place to go for heart care in midtown Toronto.
They offer a wide range of services, from consultations to coronary angiograms and stenting. Electrophysiology studies, arrhythmia ablation, pacemaker implantation, and more are available as well, making it a one-stop diagnostic shop for your heart.
Unlike other facilities, they have a specialized Hypertension Clinic and a pre-op evaluation clinic. Plus, they offer virtual care options for patients who prefer to consult with their doctor online.
The staff here speaks multiple languages, including English, Farsi, Russian, Hebrew, Hindi, Urdu, Polish, Filipino, Italian, and French. This makes it easy for patients from diverse backgrounds to get the care they need.
Unfortunately, some patients have told us that the staff can be a bit cold.
Lawrence Park Cardiology is amazing
“Lawrence Park Cardiology is amazing. The team is great. Always helpful. My doctor is incredible. He probably saved my life. The quality of life has improved since coming to Lawerence Park. I can’t thank my doctor and the team enough. You guys are the best. Thank you again and God bless. 🙏”
n J, Google Review
He gave me my life back
“I have been a patient for 3 years and I just want to say thank you very much from the bottom of my heart ❤️ to Dr.Crystal. He gave me my life back . I did my part to have a more carefull lifestyle. From the research I did I always knew I was going to do fix everything. I’m so glad I found Dr.Crystal ☺️”
Marcello Sapienza, Google Review
5. Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto Western Hospital is nestled downtown, serving South Annex, College, Queen, and King Street West. This spacious academic health science center offers everything from emergency care to advanced brain surgeries.
But of course, we’re here to check out their angiogram services. These are performed at their Cardiac Investigations Unit (CVIU), located on the 3rd floor of the Fell Pavilion.
The angiogram can be performed using two safe methods: through the femoral artery near the groin or the radial artery in the arm. During the procedure, a cardiologist injects a contrast dye, making blood vessels visible on an x-ray.
Once the procedure is done, nurses keep a close eye on your blood pressure, pulses, and the catheter insertion site to ensure everything is in order.
Beyond heart care, the hospital is also known for orthopedics, rheumatology, and hand surgery. However, we heard about cleanliness concerns, which is a bit surprising.
The doctor I saw was fantastic and kind
“Not a fan of hospitals. But had to go, been having some back issues. Very confusing hospital but never even had to ask, there were staff offering to help me and guide me. Holding the elevator and offering their assistance. Very friendly. Had an appointment so didn’t have to wait long. The doctor I saw was fantastic and kind. Took her time going through everything. Great experience. 👍”
Christopher B, Google Review
They care and show it
“Recently had surgery with Altum Health Care. Dr Dessouki and all the staff were amazing. Excellent care!!! They care and show it. The complete process from James in admission and bookings to the follow up; in physio. Thank you, such a great team watching them all work together!!!”
Kim Banks, Google Review
