Find a Top Cardiologist Near Me in Mesa, AZ – Book an Appointment Instantly

Dr. Sina Nafisi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, board certified in Internal Medicine, General Cardiology, and Interventional Cardiology. He is also board certified by the American Board of Vascular Medicine in Endovascular Medicine, reflecting advanced expertise in comprehensive cardiovascular and vascular care. 

Dr. Nafisi serves as Chief of Staff at HonorHealth Tempe Medical Center and is the former Chief of Cardiology at Four Peaks Medical Center and Tempe Medical Center. He is actively involved in academic medicine as Assistant Professor and Clerkship Director for Cardiology at Creighton University School of Medicine, where he plays a key role in mentoring and training the next generation of physicians. 

He has been recognized with multiple Specialist of the Year awards from the academic department at St. Joseph’s Hospital, honoring his clinical excellence, leadership, and dedication to patient care. 

Dr. Nafisi’s areas of expertise include vascular medicine, lower extremity revascularization, endovascular interventions, vein ablation for varicose veins, transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement, and the management of complex coronary artery disease. He is committed to delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based cardiovascular care with a patient-centered approach. 

Vijay Swarup, MD, FACC, FHRS, is one of the physicians at Arizona Heart Rhythm Center, which has locations in Phoenix, Peoria, Gilbert, and Prescott, Arizona. He has been practicing clinical cardiac electrophysiology in Arizona since 2002. Before joining the practice, he completed a fellowship in clinical cardiac electrophysiology at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Swarup earned his bachelor's and medical degrees at the University of Delhi in New Delhi. He continued his education at St. Louis University School of Medicine, completing an internal medicine residency and a research fellowship in molecular cardiology. He completed a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He then pursued a clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Swarup has received specialized training in performing complex arrhythmia treatments, including trans-catheter ablations. He has a special interest in three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping techniques, left atrial appendage occlusion techniques, and ablative therapies for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

In Arizona, Dr. Swarup was among the first to perform epicardial and endocardial 3D mapping guided ablation of ischemic ventricular tachycardias, open irrigated ablations, robotic catheter ablations for arrhythmias, and implantation to left atrial appendage occlusion devices. Dr. Swarup has some of the most extensive experience in AF and VT ablations and implantation of LAA occlusion devices in the country. Dr. Swarup is also an active researcher of new ablation techniques, having authored numerous abstracts and manuscripts. He has been the principal investigator in many research protocols investigating promising new ablation techniques and devices for the treatment of arrhythmias.

Dr. Swarup is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and clinical cardiac electrophysiology.

Thaslim Kassim, MD, FACC, is a board-certified cardiologist at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona in Tempe, Arizona. He is highly skilled in all areas of cardiology, with more than a decade of experience. 

Dr. Kassim completed medical school, including a one-year rotatory internship, at TD Medical College in India. Afterward, he gained clinical experience at the Regional Cancer Center and Primary Health Center in India. He then completed an internal medicine residency and a cardiovascular medicine fellowship as a chief cardiology fellow at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C.

Dr. Kassim is board-certified in internal medicine and general cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He’s also certified by the National Board of Echocardiography and the Board of Nuclear Cardiology. 

Dr. Kassim specializes in transthoracic, trans-esophageal, and stress echocardiograms, as well as nuclear stress testing, peripheral vascular ultrasounds, coronary angiograms, heart catheterization, and pacemaker placement.

He has extensive research experience, having published numerous studies in prestigious medical journals and presented at medical conferences nationwide. 

Dr. Kassim is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the Heart Failure Society of America, and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.

He welcomes new and existing patients to the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona and looks forward to improving their heart health.

Dr Balakrishnan is a cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Arizona Heart Arrhythmia Associates. He is thorough, compassionate, and unwavering in his commitment to providing quality care for his patients.

Dr Balakrishnan was born and raised in Coimbatore, India. He completed his medical degree from Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, India, and moved to the United States to pursue further medical training. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - South Campus and his Cardiology and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology fellowships at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson Campus hospitals. He is the recipient of several awards throughout his training, including outstanding performance in Cardiology and Electrophysiology, outstanding graduating fellow in Cardiology, and the Mark J. Friedman Outstanding Fellow Award. He also served as the chief fellow during his Cardiology fellowship at the University of Arizona. He has authored numerous publications in Cardiology and Electrophysiology and has presented at several national and international conferences.

Dr Balakrishnan joined the practice in 2024. He is trained in complex device implants, ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and laser lead extractions.

Akash Makkar, MD, is the Director of Arizona Heart Arrhythmia Associates, with locations in Phoenix, Avondale, Tempe, Chandler, Sun City, Dewey, and Prescott Valley, Arizona. He is board certified in cardiology and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. He completed his electrophysiology fellowship at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, one of the top electrophysiology programs in the country. Prior to that, Dr. Makkar was on faculty at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. 

Dr. Makkar underwent his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of Louisville, where he served as Chief Cardiology Fellow for the year 2009-2010. Dr. Makkar earned his medical degree from Kanpur University, India. He graduated from medical school in first place among all students garnering the sought-after Governor’s Medal for the best graduating medical student. He also did post-graduate education from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India, one of the premier training hospitals in India.

Dr. Makkar is well-known for his excellent bedside manners as well as his skills for complex cardiac electrophysiology diagnosis and treatments. He is well respected within the cardiology community as an expert in his field and a physician other physicians trust with their patients. This has made him one of the busiest electrophysiologists in the state, but he never forgets why: Expert and skilled cardiac care focused on each patient’s individual needs. 

Dr. Makkar is specially trained and an expert in performing the full range of electrophysiology procedures, including complex trans-septal catheter ablations, implantation of complex cardiac devices, leadless pacemakers, laser lead extractions, and left atrial appendage occlusion device (Watchman) Implantations. In fact, Dr. Makkar performs the highest number of ablations and laser extractions in the state of Arizona. Dr. Makkar is also an active researcher, having authored numerous abstracts and manuscripts. Dr. Makkar has been recognized for being one of the first electrophysiologists to perform fluoroless (no radiation/X-rays) atrial fibrillation ablations in the state of Arizona. He has also been voted into the prestigious PHOENIX Magazine Top Doc list for Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.

Mohamed Abdelrahman, MD, is a cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Arizona Heart Arrhythmia Associates, with locations in Phoenix, Avondale, Tempe, Chandler, Sun City, Dewey, and Prescott Valley, Arizona. Dr. Abdelrahman joined the team in 2020 and is well-known for his exceptional rapport and dedication to his patients. He strives and is committed to providing compassionate, sincere, and honest patient care.

Dr. Abdelrahman was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. He earned his medical degree from Ain Shams University, one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in Egypt. He then pursued further medical training in the United States and completed his internal medicine residency at the University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, and his cardiology training at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania. During his training, Dr. Abdelrahman was acknowledged by receiving multiple awards, including the Fellow of the Year award and the award for Academic Excellence. 

To further his training, Dr. Abdelrahman completed his cardiac electrophysiology training at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. He was specially trained in advanced electrophysiology diagnostic and management techniques, including complex ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and robotic-assisted mapping and ablation. He also trained in complex device implantation, including biventricular devices, bundle pacing subcutaneous defibrillators, leadless pacemakers, and complex laser lead extraction. 

Dr. Abdelrahman also actively participates in research and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He has authored numerous manuscripts and abstracts and has presented in multiple national and international cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology meetings. 

Sudarone Thihalolipavan, MD, or Dr “T” for short, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at Arizona Heart Rhythm Center, which has locations in Phoenix, Peoria, Gilbert, and Prescott, Arizona.

Dr. T completed advanced fellowships in cardiovascular disease and cardiac electrophysiology at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. T has a particular interest in the treatment of complex arrhythmias. He has extensive training and experience in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular complexes/ventricular tachycardia, left atrial appendage occlusion techniques, and other cardiac arrhythmias. He also has expertise in the implantation of pacemakers, defibrillators, and biventricular devices (cardiac resynchronization therapy). 

Prior to relocating to Arizona from Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Thihalolipavan created one of the busiest electrophysiology practices in the country. His success there was attributed to exemplary patient care, a kind bedside manner, and excellent procedural outcomes. He was the first in the state to perform epicardial ablations and perform fluoroless (radiation-free) ablation procedures. Additionally, research and teaching are among his ongoing interests, and to date, he has peer-reviewed publications in the management of atrial fibrillation and is currently enrolled in multi-center international clinical ablation trials. Finally, he has an active consulting role with major medical device companies. 

Dr. Thihalolipavan was recruited to the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center and was drawn to Arizona to be closer to family.   

Dr. T was a ‘high honors’ graduate from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also served an additional year as chief resident there. While pursuing his clinical training, Dr. Thihalolipavan achieved awards for excellence in clinical and academic arenas.  

Above all, Dr. Thihalolipavan believes that compassionate care begins with a patient-focused approach, as he incorporates clear and concise communication into his practice. 

Dr. Thihalolipavan is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, echocardiography, and clinical cardiac electrophysiology.

Dr. Shantha Kumar is an interventional cardiologist specializing in Interventional Cardiology and Adult Cardiology. He received his medical degree from Bangalore Medical College and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Kumar is qualified to deliver comprehensive care for your cardiovascular system and heart. Dr. Kumar may see patients for symptoms like difficulty breathing, dizziness or chest pain. Cardiovascular issues that may be identified and cared for by a cardiologist can include congenital heart defects, angina, arrhythmia, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, heart aneurysms and coronary artery disease.

• Internal Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Endovascular Medicine
• Echocardiography
• Nuclear Cardiology

• Banner University Medical Center
• Chandler Regional Medical Center
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
• Banner Estrella Medical Center
• Banner Desert Medical Center
• Cardiac Cath Lab of Phoenix
• Abrazo Hospital
• Arizona Heart Hospital
• Promise Hospital of Phoenix

Zaher Akkad, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, with four locations in Phoenix, Maricopa, Goodyear, and Chandler, Arizona. Dr. Akkad holds multiple board certifications, including internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography, as well as Endovascular Medicine.

Dr. Akkad was trained at Wayne State University-affiliated hospitals in Detroit, Michigan. Before joining Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, Dr. Akkad was an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Wayne State University. During this time, he was the Interim Director of the Echocardiography Lab. 

He has published multiple textbook chapters in the fields of cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and congestive heart failure.

Dr. Akkad’s clinical skills are outstanding. He is a multi-talented cardiologist, he is experienced in all aspects of non-invasive cardiology, including echocardiography, transesophageal echo, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fully-trained interventional cardiologist with superb skills in all aspects of cardiac Catheterization and stents also endovascular, carotid and peripheral interventions as well as pacemaker implantation. He is experienced in Structural Cardiac interventions including TAVR and  Watchman procedures. 

Dr. Akkad is very compassionate and has exceptional patient skills. His philosophy is to treat his patients as if they are family and provides prompt, cutting-edge, and evidence-based treatments. He is currently accepting new patients and eager to help them get healthy as soon as possible. Please check the testimonials from some of our patients below.  On behalf of Dr. Akkad and his team, we look forward to taking care of you.

Soy cardióloga que habla español.

Testimonials

Dr. Divyashree Varma is a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist based in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has been in practice since 2020. Born in India and raised in New Delhi, Dr. Varma completed her medical education at Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, graduating as Valedictorian with honors in all subjects.

She moved to the United States for advanced training, completing her Internal Medicine residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, followed by a Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship at UT San Antonio. She then pursued subspecialty training in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.

Dr. Varma specializes in the full spectrum of cardiac electrophysiology, including complex catheter ablations, cardiac device implantation, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), and the diagnosis and management of channelopathies and genetic arrhythmia disorders. Her professional interests focus on patient-centered clinical care and clinical research aimed at advancing treatments for cardiac arrhythmias. Outside of medicine, Dr. Varma enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs. She also enjoys cooking and gardening.

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Nuclear Cardiology

• Banner University Medical Center
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• Banner Estrella Medical Center, Chief of Cardiology 2023 to present
• Abrazo Hospital
   

Shishir Murarka, MD, is the Chief of Cardiology at Banner Estrella Medical Center.

Dr. Murarka is a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona in the Phoenix and Goodyear locations. He is a young cardiologist with excellent clinical skills and patient rapport. He offers a fresh approach to cardiovascular care. 

Dr. Murarka completed his training at the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

He is board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Murarka has co-authored more than 20 publications in various medical journals, over a dozen abstracts, and two book chapters in the subjects of percutaneous mitral valve repair and recanalizing total occlusion in the periphery.

He is currently accepting new patients and looks forward to helping them on their health care journey. 

Testimonials

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Nuclear Cardiology

• Banner University Medical Center
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• Banner Estrella Medical Center
• Abrazo Hospital
• Arizona Heart Hospital
   

Dr. Faran Bashir received his training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, University of California, Irvine, and the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Bashir is board certified in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, Nuclear and Interventional Cardiology. Additionally, he has received specialized training in the performance of intracardiac echocardiography, percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects, valvuloplasty and Watchman device implantation. He has presented several studies at national Cardiology meetings and has published many journal articles in major Cardiology journals.

Dr. Bashir is currently serving as Chief of Cardiology and CVT Surgery at Banner Estrella Medical Center. He also holds the position of Clinical Assistant professor of Medicine at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix. He is a member of faculty both in the Cardiology as well as Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Programs and is actively involved in teaching future cardiologists. Dr. Bashir’s clinical skills are outstanding and he will be happy to provide timely and professional care.

Dr. Bashir is currently accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.

Testimonials

Kishlay Anand, MD, MS, FHRS, is a founding partner of AZ Cardiology, which has locations in Peoria, Prescott, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Prescott Valley. He is also a board-certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with over 15 years of experience. He is dedicated to advancing the field of cardiology, having contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journals and delivered research presentations at both national and international conferences. Dr. Anand's commitment to patient care and innovation is matched by his entrepreneurial spirit, as seen through his leadership in voluntary health initiatives.

Dr. Anand graduated from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India. He furthered his education by earning a master's degree in epidemiology from Columbia University in New York. Dr. Anand completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at Creighton University in Nebraska, followed by specialized training in cardiac electrophysiology at the University of California, San Diego.

With a focus on cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. Anand specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. His expertise extends beyond clinical care, as he has made significant contributions to health awareness and patient welfare through his work with Prayatna, a voluntary organization. Dr. Anand's dedication to improving patient outcomes is evident in both his clinical work and his passion for advancing the field of cardiology.