Who this guide is for
If you are weighing up where to have heart surgery, facing a long wait for a cardiology workup, or want a senior opinion on a complex cardiac case, this guide explains what Fuwai Hospital offers, who it genuinely suits, and what it honestly costs as an international patient.
Why Fuwai for cardiovascular care
Fuwai Hospital, part of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, is described in the European Heart Journal as the world's largest cardiovascular centre. It is the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and hosts the State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, with more than 1,200 dedicated cardiac beds. Its annual caseload runs to roughly 15,000 cardiac surgeries and around 50,000 interventional procedures. That volume matters: in cardiac surgery, experience correlates strongly with outcomes, and few centres anywhere accumulate experience at this scale.
What it treats
- Coronary artery disease, including bypass surgery and stenting
- Valve disease, including repair and replacement
- Congenital heart disease in children and adults
- Arrhythmia, including ablation and device implantation
- Heart failure and aortic disease
- Interventional cardiology across 13 catheter labs
How access works
International patients are coordinated through the hospital's international and VIP pathways, with bilingual support and English report summaries. The senior specialists who operate across the hospital are the same ones who see international cases. You can read more on our Fuwai Hospital page.
Is Beijing right for your heart case? An honest view
Often worth considering if: you face a long elective wait for cardiac surgery or a complex valve or congenital procedure, or you want a senior surgical opinion before committing to an operation at home.
Usually not worth the trip if: your heart condition is unstable, you have acute chest pain or symptoms, or you need frequent close follow-up that is hard to deliver across continents. Anything acute should be treated locally without delay.
What it costs
A cardiology consultation through the international department is paid directly to the hospital and is modest by Western standards; surgery and procedures are quoted by the hospital based on your specific case. Hospital fees are always separate from, and paid directly to, the hospital. Our own coordination starts from $250, and we show the full breakdown before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a surgical second opinion without committing to surgery?
Yes. Many patients come for a senior consultation or to review their case before deciding, with no obligation to proceed.
How soon can I be seen?
International appointments can usually be arranged within days, depending on availability and clinical suitability.
Will I get English documentation?
Yes — you receive English-language summaries of your consultation and any procedures to share with your own cardiologist.
How we work, and our limits
China MedPass is an independent Beijing-based coordination service. We are not an official representative of any hospital unless explicitly stated, and we do not practise medicine. Diagnosis and all treatment decisions are made by licensed hospital physicians. We make no medical promises and no guarantee of outcome or appointment timing. We name the actual doctor you will see, show the real price, organise your records, and stand next to you in the hospital.