Nassir A Azimi M.D.

Cardiologist | Interventional Cardiology

5565 Grossmont Center Drive Bldg. 3, Suite 444 La Mesa CA, 91942 Show map

About
Contacts & Locations

About

My mother was an inspirational woman who went to medical school despite challenges, and became a successful physician. Since the age of nine, I haven't entertained any other career. I am an internist, cardiologist, nuclear and interventional cardiologist, I do structural heart interventions.

Education and Training

Yale University Cardiology 2003

Yale University Nuclear Cardiology 2004

Yale University Interventional Cardiology 2005

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth 1998

Board Certification

Adolescent Medicine (Internal Medicine)

Cardiovascular Disease (Internal Medicine)

Interventional Cardiology (Internal Medicine)

Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology

Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM- Cardiovascular Disease

Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM- Interventional Cardiology- 2005

Provider Details

Male English, Urdu, Persian 19 years of experience

Nassir A Azimi M.D.

Nassir A Azimi M.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

The Flight
As an interventional cardiologist, I routinely perform risk-laden procedures on patients. Coronary angiograms, angioplasty, and stenting are to name some. These procedures have inherent risks including bleeding, infection, perforation, heart attack (ironically), stroke, kidney failure, limb loss,...
Advancing Technologies and the Field of Medicine
Nassir Azimi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FASNCAs we see technologies advance at a rapid pace over the last two decades, medical care is vastly changing. Patients and their physicians are employing technologies on a daily basis. We have improved diagnostic tools with advanced computed tomography (CT), Magnetic...

At what heart rate should you go to the hospital?
It all depends. He should go see his primary care doctor and if indicated then see a cardiologist. I am not a fan of waiting to go to the emergency room unless there’s is an emergency. I would recommend going there if the heart rate stay 130 beats or higher or if there is palpitation with other symptoms such as chest pain, SOB, Dizziness or feeling like you are going to pass out! Also if the blood pressure is low below 100 mm Hg systolic READ MORE
What is the survival rate for heart valve replacement surgery?
Depends which valve and other risk factors such as weakening of the heart, DIabetes, prior surgery or radiation .... Overall valve surgery has a good prognosis READ MORE
Does exercise help lower blood pressure?
Yes. Exercise is good to keep the blood vessels compliant. A good diet low in salt and high in vegetable content is beneficial, particularly if garlic is a part of it. Walking a minimum of 30 minutes 5 days a week is good for heart health and blood pressure. READ MORE
How long do you stay in the hospital after a mild heart attack?
It depends on the location and consequences. Some small hart attacks can still impact cardiac conduction and lead to rhythm disturbances. However, on average a mild heart attack is discharged within 24-48 hours after initial hospitalization. READ MORE
What are the treatment options for tachycardia?
It depends on the nature of the tachycardia. Some tachycardias are related to stressors such as sepsis, low oxygen levels, adrenaline excess, thyroid hormone excess and thus addressing underlying cause or etiology is best. Others are treated with relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, etc. However, those that require specific medications usually end up on a beta-blocker which blocks adrenaline or a calcium channel blocker which affects conduction within the hearts conduction system. Sometimes due to limitation related to blood pressure, we use a drug like digoxin. occasionally we need (stronger) and-arrhythmic medications such as amiodarone, propafenone, sotalolol, flecainide, dofetilide, disopyramide, etc. READ MORE
What do echocardiograms detect?
An echocardiogram is an excellent test that gives valuable information regarding heart muscle strength (squeeze =EF which is normally 50%-70%). It can assess filling pressure and valvular function and assess for many congenital and structural abnormalities. READ MORE
Can an irregular heartbeat go back to normal?
Yes! READ MORE
Can atrial fibrillation lead to heart failure?
If heart rate is not controlled Afib can lead to heart failure and heart failure to Afib. However, typically, heart failure patients are more likely to get Afib with atrial stretch and stiffness. Afib patients whose heart rate is controlled are not necessarily going to skip to CHF. READ MORE
Is a pacemaker implant safe?
Yes. Safer than not having one when you need it. READ MORE
Is it possible to have a small heart attack?
Yes READ MORE
Why do I get dizzy so often?
That question is hard to answer! For some people, even after extensive testing and evaluation we end up uncertain. However you need to see your doctor and May need specialists such as a cardiologist and or neurologist READ MORE
What's causing my son's fast heartbeat?
Best thing to do is to bring him to his doctor and see a pediatric cardiologist. There are numerous potential explanations best offered by a physician who has seen and examined him! Most are benign but reassurance is best after a though review of his individual case. READ MORE
What can be the cause of my chest pain during work-out?
Chest pain can be many things from skin, muscle, cartilage to ribs and esophagus and trachea to aorta, stomach, pericardium and the heart itself! Usually after you see your doctor and get evaluated the more common diagnosis is musculoskeletal. Please see and discuss with your doctor to rule our other explanations first READ MORE
Can you have heart palpitations without having a serious health issues?
Yes. People often have extra beats that are felt sometimes as a skip beat and have no major cardiac issues. Since some patients with palpitations have serious consequences, one would have to be seen by a physician and after ruling out more serious arrhythmias then be reassured. READ MORE
Is tightness in the chest a warning sign of a heart attack?
Yes! He is the right age and gender and tightness in the chest is often a typical sign of heart disease. He needs a cardiac evaluation and st the minimum a stress test versus angiography. READ MORE
How long does a stress test take?
Depends on the type of test. Most common test is an exercise treadmill test. This takes about 15 minutes of preparation. Then the test is started at a slope and speed which are increased every three minutes. Most people do 9:00 to 12 minutes. Some shorter and others longer. Add 5:00 minutes of recovery and that is your time commitment. Tests with imaging would take longer. A nuclear stress test could take as long as three hours (mostly waiting between the stress and rest scans) READ MORE
Is there any cure for congestive heart failure?
The recovery from CHF depends on the etiologies. Some cases are permanent and others could be completely reversible particularly with our current therapies. Ask your cardiologist. READ MORE
I am overweight and I have high blood pressure. Should I see a cardiologist for an exam of my heart?
The short answer is yes! READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Areas of expertise and specialization

Cardiovascular diseaseStructural heartPlatypnea orthodeoxia syndrome

Faculty Titles & Positions

Vice Chair Cardiology Sharp Grossmont Hospital 2017 - 2018
Chief of Endovascular Sharp Grossmont Hospital 2016 - 2017
Chair of Medial Relations for CA-ACC California Chapter of ACC 2015 - 2018
CME Oversight Committee Society of Coronary Angiography and Interventions 2018 - 2018
Chief-Cardiovascular Medicine Sharp Grossmont Hospital 2019 - Present