Consult cardiac surgeon Dr. Jānis Lācis in central Riga if you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, a heart valve disorder, an aortic condition or have been advised to consider heart surgery.
A private cardiac surgeon consultation can also provide a second opinion, explain examination results and help you understand whether surgery, continued monitoring or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
Cardiac surgeon consultation: €70
Dr. Jānis Lācis
Private cardiac surgeon consultation in Riga
A cardiac surgeon, also known as a cardiothoracic or heart surgeon, specialises in the surgical treatment of diseases affecting the heart, heart valves, coronary arteries and major blood vessels.
A consultation does not necessarily mean that surgery will be recommended. The purpose of the appointment is to review the diagnosis, assess the available examination results and determine the most appropriate next step.
During the consultation, the cardiac surgeon may:
- review your symptoms and medical history;
- assess previously completed heart examinations;
- explain the diagnosis in understandable language;
- evaluate whether surgical treatment may be indicated;
- discuss available surgical and non-surgical treatment options;
- provide a second opinion before a planned heart operation;
- explain the expected benefits and potential risks of surgery;
- recommend additional examinations;
- advise on preparation for surgery;
- provide recommendations for follow-up after heart surgery.
Dr. Jānis Lācis — cardiac surgeon
Dr. Jānis Lācis is a cardiac surgeon who graduated from Riga Stradiņš University and has undertaken professional training in Vienna.
He consults patients with:
- coronary artery disease;
- heart valve disorders;
- conditions that may require heart surgery;
- previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease;
- questions before or after a cardiac operation.
The consultation is suitable both for patients who already have a confirmed diagnosis and for those who would like an experienced specialist to review their examination results and treatment plan.
When should you consult a cardiac surgeon?
A consultation may be recommended if:
- a cardiologist has suggested that heart surgery may be necessary;
- coronary angiography has shown significant narrowing of the coronary arteries;
- you have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis or another heart valve disorder;
- heart valve repair or replacement has been discussed;
- coronary artery bypass surgery has been recommended;
- an aortic aneurysm or another condition of the thoracic aorta has been identified;
- you would like a second opinion before making a treatment decision;
- you need clarification about the risks and benefits of a proposed operation;
- you have undergone heart surgery and need specialist follow-up;
- different specialists have recommended different treatment approaches.
You do not need to wait until an operation has been scheduled. An early consultation can help clarify which examinations are still required and whether surgical treatment is likely to be appropriate.
Coronary artery disease and bypass surgery
Coronary artery disease develops when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Treatment may include medication, coronary intervention with stent placement or coronary artery bypass grafting.
A cardiac surgeon may assess:
- the number and location of narrowed coronary arteries;
- the severity of the disease;
- coronary angiography findings;
- heart function;
- associated heart valve disease;
- other medical conditions that may affect treatment;
- the expected benefits and risks of surgery.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the complete clinical situation. A recommendation cannot be made based on a single test result alone.
Heart valve disorders
A cardiac surgeon may be consulted for disorders affecting the aortic, mitral or other heart valves.
These conditions may include:
- aortic valve stenosis;
- aortic valve regurgitation;
- mitral valve regurgitation;
- mitral valve stenosis;
- previously diagnosed congenital valve abnormalities;
- deterioration of an existing artificial heart valve.
The specialist reviews the symptoms, echocardiography findings, heart function and other medical information to determine whether continued observation, additional testing, catheter-based treatment or surgery should be considered.
Second opinion before heart surgery
Being advised to undergo heart surgery can raise many questions. A second opinion from a cardiac surgeon may help you understand:
- whether surgery is currently necessary;
- whether other treatment options are available;
- which type of procedure may be appropriate;
- how urgent the treatment is;
- what the expected benefits of surgery are;
- which risks are particularly relevant in your situation;
- what further examinations may be required;
- what recovery after the operation may involve.
Please bring the original reports and, where possible, the actual examination images or digital files. A written report alone may not contain all the information required for a complete assessment.
Which examination results should you bring?
Please bring all relevant medical documents, including:
- cardiologist reports;
- electrocardiogram results;
- echocardiography reports and images;
- coronary angiography reports and recordings;
- CT or MRI reports and images;
- exercise test or Holter monitoring results;
- recent blood test results;
- hospital discharge summaries;
- a list of current medicines and doses;
- information about allergies;
- reports from previous heart operations or procedures.
Documents in English, Latvian or Russian are preferable. If important records are available only in another language, an English or Latvian translation may be helpful.
Additional examinations
Depending on the available information, the cardiac surgeon may recommend additional investigations before a treatment decision can be made.
These may include:
- electrocardiogram;
- echocardiography;
- blood and laboratory tests;
- coronary angiography;
- CT examination;
- cardiac MRI;
- Holter monitoring;
- exercise testing;
- consultation with a cardiologist, anaesthesiologist or another specialist.
Republikas laukuma klīnika provides ECG examinations and blood and laboratory testing. Other investigations may need to be arranged at an appropriate diagnostic or hospital facility.
Preparation for heart surgery
If surgery is recommended, the cardiac surgeon can explain:
- the purpose of the planned operation;
- the expected result;
- possible alternatives;
- significant risks;
- which medicines may need to be reviewed;
- which examinations are required before surgery;
- what to expect during hospital treatment;
- the anticipated recovery process.
Do not stop blood-thinning medication, heart medication or any other prescribed treatment without instructions from the treating doctor.
Follow-up after heart surgery
A cardiac surgeon consultation may also be useful after an operation, particularly if you have questions about recovery, the surgical result or further monitoring.
The doctor may review:
- the hospital discharge summary;
- the operation report;
- wound healing;
- current symptoms;
- medication;
- follow-up examination results;
- recommendations for further cardiac care or rehabilitation.
Seek urgent medical assistance if you develop severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, signs of a stroke, severe weakness or another potentially life-threatening symptom.
Cardiac surgery and hospital treatment
Republikas laukuma klīnika provides outpatient cardiac surgeon consultations.
Open-heart surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve surgery and other major cardiac operations are not performed on the premises of Republikas laukuma klīnika. If hospital-based treatment is required, the specialist will explain the appropriate next steps.
The hospital, treatment arrangements and costs depend on the diagnosis, urgency, eligibility for state-funded care and the selected medical facility.
Cardiac surgeon for international patients
International patients can book a private cardiac surgeon consultation in Riga without registering with a Latvian family doctor.
The consultation may be useful if you:
- already have a diagnosis from another country;
- have been advised to undergo heart surgery;
- would like a second opinion;
- need your examination results reviewed;
- would like to understand the available treatment options in Latvia.
Consultation in English should be confirmed when booking. Please send or bring relevant medical records, imaging reports and information about current medication.
Learn more about medical care for international patients in Riga.
Cardiac surgeon consultation price
Private cardiac surgeon consultation: €70
Additional examinations, laboratory tests and consultations with other specialists are charged separately.
The final cost of any hospital treatment or operation is not included in the consultation price and must be confirmed by the medical facility where the treatment will take place.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a cardiac surgeon?
A referral is not normally required for a paid private consultation. However, please bring any referral or recommendation provided by your cardiologist, as it may contain important clinical information.
Does a cardiac surgeon consultation mean that I need surgery?
No. The specialist may recommend continued monitoring, additional examinations, medication-based treatment, an interventional procedure or surgery. The recommendation depends on your diagnosis and complete medical information.
Can I receive a second opinion?
Yes. You can book a consultation to obtain a second opinion before a planned heart operation or when different treatment options have been proposed.
Are heart operations performed at Republikas laukuma klīnika?
No. Republikas laukuma klīnika provides outpatient cardiac surgeon consultations. Major cardiac operations are performed at appropriately equipped hospital facilities.
Can the surgeon review examinations completed abroad?
Yes. Bring the full reports and, whenever possible, the actual echocardiography, angiography, CT or MRI images. English-language medical documents are preferable.
Which symptoms require emergency medical assistance?
Call the Latvian Emergency Medical Service on 113 for severe or persistent chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, signs of a stroke or another potentially life-threatening condition. Do not wait for an outpatient appointment.
Can I book a consultation after heart surgery?
Yes. The cardiac surgeon can review your hospital documents, recovery and follow-up results and recommend the next steps.
Book a cardiac surgeon appointment in Riga
Private consultations with Dr. Jānis Lācis are available at Republikas laukuma klīnika in central Riga.
Consultation price: €70
Address: Republikas laukums 3–18, Riga, “Centra nams”, ground floor
When booking, please mention whether you are seeking an initial assessment, a second opinion, preparation for surgery or follow-up after an operation.
