expert type icon EXPERT

Ishu Rao, MD

Cardiac Electrophysiologist

Dr. Ishu Rao is a Board Certified Cardiac Electrophysiologist based in Ventura, California where he practices at the Community Memorial Hospital of Ventura (CMH) and serves as the institution’s Director of EP Services.

Dr. Rao completed medical school at Jefferson Medical College (Philadelphia, PA), Internal Medicine residency at the Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX), Cardiology Fellowship training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (Torrance, CA), and EP training at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan (Los Angeles, CA). He is Board Certified in Cardiology and Electrophysiology.

Dr. Rao is adept at performing all manner of Electrophysiology procedures, including ablations for Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Atrial Flutter, SVT, and VT. He has long been regarded an expert in device implantation and management as well, and is the region’s only physician who regularly performs lead extraction procedures. Additionally, he performed the first Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation (for stroke prevention) in Ventura County.

His mastery in all aspects of EP has made him a sought after speaker and educator for industry and professional societies alike. He has spoken on AF management and ablation, device implantation techniques, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and many other topics. Fellows in training, patient groups, and the Heart Rhythm Society have all benefited from his teaching skill and expertise. He has served as a hands-on proctor for Pacemaker and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy implant courses, as well as a simulator trainer for both the Guidant and St. Jude Medical Corporations. In the summer of 2012, he served as an invited proctor to teach Electrophysiologists in India advanced techniques in AF ablation. Dr. Rao adeptly blends a sophisticated skillset and an effective teaching style to provide unique educational experiences to physicians, trainees, and patients.

Now well into his second decade of private practice, Dr. Rao continues to lead the region in delivering state of the art, contemporary EP care to the patients of the Central California coast. His diverse Electrophysiology practice boasts volumes comparable to operators at large institutions across the United States.

Dr. Rao welcomes your referrals for patients in need of Electrophysiology care.
32 years Experience
Ishu Rao, MD
  • Ventura, California
  • Penn State University
  • Accepting new patients

Do I have to take blood thinners for a long period of time?

Blood thinners are often prescribed after heart surgery for a couple of reasons. For patients who have undergone valve replacement with a mechanical valve, blood thinners are required READ MORE
Blood thinners are often prescribed after heart surgery for a couple of reasons. For patients who have undergone valve replacement with a mechanical valve, blood thinners are required for life. For those that have atrial fibrillation (an abnormal irregular rapid heart rhythm) after surgery, blood thinners may be prescribed for 3 months, after which the patient may be reevaluated to assess the need for ongoing therapy.

Do we need to visit a cardiologist if there is a family history of heart problems?

Without knowing more specifics, I'd say that these are worrying symptoms and should be evaluated immediately. They can be signs of a heart attack or even aortic dissection. Ishu READ MORE
Without knowing more specifics, I'd say that these are worrying symptoms and should be evaluated immediately. They can be signs of a heart attack or even aortic dissection.

Ishu V. Rao, MD