Aerospace and Dive Cardiology Clinic

The Aerospace and Dive Cardiology Clinic at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) is a specialized outpatient clinic for the cardiac care of individuals who participate in activities or work in environments that place unique stresses on their cardiovascular system. This includes, but is not limited to, pilots, SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) divers, astronauts, emergency response workers, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The cardiac care of patients who undergo unique or extreme stresses, or for whom losing consciousness could have catastrophic effects, often requires special consideration beyond that of a usual cardiology consultation. The Aerospace and Dive Cardiology Clinic aims to provide holistic cardiac care, as well as a comprehensive assessment of risks, an estimate of safety in performing these activities, and assistance communicating with relevant regulatory bodies.

What to expect

When your doctor refers you to the Aerospace and Dive Cardiology Clinic, a UOHI cardiologist reviews your information. A UOHI staff member will contact you to book your appointment and any tests required in advance.

At your consultation, your cardiologist will perform a full assessment of your cardiac health, history, and treatments. Any tests arranged as part of this visit will also be reviewed. Your cardiologist will then review the impact of your cardiac health and test results on your relevant activity or job and determine next appropriate steps or treatment.

Patients should be aware that clinic appointments and testing required for the treatment of a cardiac condition are ensured services under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. However, appointments or tests required solely for employment purposes, and all forms, are not government-insured services and additional fees may apply. If you think this might apply to you, inquire as to potential costs when you are contacted for your appointment.

Patient instructions

Ensure your contact information is current. If your address or phone number changes, please let the clinic know.

Please bring an up-to-date list of your current medications to your clinic appointment.

If you have any communications from regulatory bodies (for example, Transport Canada), please bring these with you to your appointment.

Please bring contact information for any doctors who might need to receive copies of your clinic visit summary and tests (for example, your civil aviation medical examiner if you are a pilot).