Belgium is increasingly recognized as a European centre for advanced cardiac care, combining academic hospitals, specialised centres, and strong patient services. The Best Cardiologists and Cardiovascular Surgeons in Belgium work in well-equipped university hospitals and private cardiology clinics, offering a wide range of interventional and surgical treatments.
Growing numbers of local and international patients seek treatment in Belgium due to its high-volume cardiac units, multidisciplinary heart teams, and well-established interventional programs. Major centres such as UZ Leuven, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels, and University Hospital Antwerp have established strong reputations for advanced cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology.
Belgium’s health system is governed and monitored by national authorities that maintain quality and safety standards; official resources such as the WHO country profile for Belgium and the Belgian Federal Public Service, Health, provide data and guidance for providers and patients.
With a mix of internationally trained specialists, modern Belgian cardiology clinics, and coordinated care pathways, treatment in Belgium delivers internationally comparable standards while offering accessible routes for international patients. The next section lists the top cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons in Belgium.
Prof. Rik Willems
Specialization: Cardiac Electrophysiology (Arrhythmias)
Experience: 23 years (since 2002)
Prof. Rik Willems heads the electrophysiology and rhythm-management unit at UZ Leuven, treating complex arrhythmias with catheter ablation and advanced device therapy. He combines clinical electrophysiology fellowships with active research in wearable monitoring and precision arrhythmia care. His practice emphasizes systematic diagnostics, individualized procedural planning, and close coordination with imaging and surgical teams, making him a highly regarded cardiologist in Leuven.
Prof. Peter R. Sinnaeve
Specialization: Cardiovascular Medicine and Acute Cardiac Care
Experience: 31 years (since 1994)
Prof. Peter Sinnaeve is a senior cardiologist at UZ Leuven known for acute coronary syndrome management, advanced cardiac imaging, and outcomes research. He trained at KU Leuven and completed postdoctoral work at the Duke Clinical Research Institute in the United States. His approach stresses rapid, evidence-based decision-making for acute cases and tailored secondary-prevention plans for long-term patient benefit.
Prof. Marc Claeys
Specialization: Interventional Cardiology and Percutaneous Valve Therapies
Experience: 33 years (since 1992)
Prof. Marc Claeys is deputy head of cardiology at Antwerp University Hospital and professor at the University of Antwerp. He focuses on acute coronary syndromes, percutaneous valve interventions, and large clinical trials. His professional memberships include the Belgian Society of Cardiology, where he plays an active role in advancing national cardiology standards and education.
Prof. Jean-Luc Vachiéry
Specialization: Heart Failure and Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Experience: 30 years (since 1995)
Prof. Jean-Luc Vachiéry directs the Pulmonary Vascular Diseases and Heart Failure Clinic at Hôpital Erasme in Brussels. His expertise in pulmonary hypertension and advanced haemodynamics is widely recognised. He integrates invasive assessment with tailored therapy and multidisciplinary care, offering reliable management for patients with complex heart failure and vascular disease.
Prof. Filip Rega
Specialization: Cardiac Surgery (Valvular and Congenital)
Experience: 27 years (since 1998)
Prof. Filip Rega is head of the clinic for cardiac surgery at UZ Leuven and surgical director of the heart transplant programme. He specialises in valve repair, grown-up congenital heart surgery, and transplant-related operations. His practice blends traditional surgical expertise with less invasive techniques, supported by ongoing research into valve durability and improved recovery outcomes.
Prof. Bart Meyns
Specialization: Cardiac Surgery and Mechanical Circulatory Support
Experience: 31 years (since 1994)
Prof. Bart Meyns is Chief of Cardiac Surgery at KU Leuven and leads research on ventricular assist devices and mechanical circulatory support. His work covers complex congenital reconstructions and perioperative cardiac care. Referring clinicians value his structured surgical planning and integrated follow-up, especially for patients requiring advanced surgical solutions in Belgium.
Consultation | Cost in USD |
General Consultation | $ 200 |
Consultation with Cardiac Surgeon | $ 300 |
Note: The cost of visiting a cardiologist in Belgium can vary depending on several factors. These include the doctor’s level of experience and international training, whether the appointment is at a private clinic or a public hospital, and the need for additional diagnostics such as echocardiograms or stress tests as referenced by the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV/INAMI). The complexity of the heart condition and the city where the clinic is located can also influence the price. Major urban centres, such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Leuven, may have slightly higher fees compared to smaller towns.
➤ High-quality cardiac care delivered in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standards and Belgian national health regulations.
➤ Affordable cardiology care compared with Western Europe and the United States, making treatment accessible to a wider range of patients.
➤ Internationally trained cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, many with fellowships in Germany, France, the UK, and the U.S.
➤ English-speaking medical staff in leading hospitals, ensuring smooth communication for international patients in Belgium.
➤ Modern cardiology clinics equipped with advanced imaging, interventional labs, and surgical technology.
➤ Strong rehabilitation and follow-up programs integrated into hospital systems.
➤ Excellent transport connectivity, making Belgium easy to reach for European and overseas patients.
➤ Option to combine medical care with a comfortable recovery in Belgium’s cultural cities such as Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges.