Heart disease in Japan: how to compare Keio and the University of Tokyo

Start with the clinical question, not the hospital name

Cardiovascular medicine includes heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary disease, valve disease, arrhythmia, pulmonary hypertension and inherited conditions. Before arranging travel, define whether you need diagnostic review, a catheter or surgical opinion, evaluation of a rare cardiomyopathy, or access to research.

Keio University Hospital

Keio publicly lists heart failure and cardiomyopathy, coronary intervention, arrhythmia ablation, structural/valve interventions, pulmonary hypertension, amyloidosis and Fabry disease among its areas of focus. Professor Masaki Ieda lists heart failure, cardiomyopathy and regenerative medicine among his specialist areas.

For overseas patients, Keio's Division of International Patient Services publishes a specific coordination pathway through accredited medical-travel partners or Medical Travel Forum members. A requested physician cannot be guaranteed.

University of Tokyo Hospital

The University of Tokyo cardiology service covers coronary disease, myocardial infarction, valve disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, aortic/peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease. Professor Norihiko Takeda has led the department since November 2023.

The hospital's standard second-opinion service states that overseas residents and people without Japanese public insurance are not eligible. International patients therefore need to verify a separate workable route rather than assuming the domestic second-opinion pathway applies.

Four questions to compare centers

1. What is the confirmed diagnosis and severity?
2. Do you need medical therapy, catheter treatment, surgery, inherited-disease review or advanced heart-failure expertise?
3. Are the key imaging, echo, catheter, rhythm and genetic records available?
4. Is there an official international-patient route for your case?