Dr. Rajat Chander Sharma – Cardiologist | Calgary, AB

With expertise in Cardiology, Dr. Rajat Chander Sharma provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care for heart-related conditions. Practicing in Calgary, AB, he serves patients from the surrounding region, adhering to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His focus includes the assessment, diagnosis, and management of various cardiovascular disorders, with a commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

Dr. Sharma graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2010 from Australia. Following his medical degree, he completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including residency and fellowship programs, which provided him with comprehensive expertise in adult cardiovascular diseases, diagnostic procedures, and interventional techniques. He holds key certifications in advanced cardiovascular imaging and management, ensuring up-to-date clinical practice.

Dedicated to delivering professional and clinical care, Dr. Sharma is committed to improving heart health outcomes in Calgary. He communicates fluently in English and values clear, compassionate interactions with his patients. His clinical philosophy emphasizes personalized care, thorough evaluation, and ongoing management tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Dr. Sharma provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease

• Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.
• Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
• Post-Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Care: Comprehensive follow-up care focused on recovery, secondary prevention, risk factor management, and medication optimization after a heart attack.

Valvular Heart Disease

• Aortic Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation): Monitoring valve function, managing symptoms, and determining the appropriate timing for valve intervention (repair or replacement).
• Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
• Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.

Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy

• Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.
• Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).
• Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Sharma is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
• Ambulatory ECG (Holter & Event Monitor) Interpretation: Analyzing recordings from portable heart monitors worn for 24 hours up to several weeks to diagnose intermittent arrhythmias or correlate symptoms with heart rhythm.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) Interpretation: Analyzing 24-hour blood pressure readings to diagnose hypertension, assess treatment effectiveness, and identify patterns like 'white coat' hypertension.
• Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Sharma. The specific services required will depend on your individual diagnosis and referral. Please discuss specific service needs with your referring physician.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Dr. Sharma primarily practices at medical facilities located in the southwest region of Calgary, specifically in the Woodlands and Woodbine neighborhoods. These facilities connect the northwest and southwest areas of the city and are conveniently situated near McMahon Stadium. The location is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT lines, buses, and BRT services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Sharma covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?

Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Sharma are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when you have a valid health card and a required referral. Most medically necessary diagnostic tests ordered by a cardiologist (like ECGs, standard echocardiograms, stress tests) are also usually covered. Some advanced tests or specific procedures might have different coverage rules or require pre-approval. It's always best to confirm specific coverage with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the testing facility.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Sharma?

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sharma. This ensures the consultation is appropriate for your medical needs and facilitates coordination of your care. Please ask your doctor to send a referral request.

Can heart disease be prevented?

While some risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, many key risk factors for heart disease *can* be modified or managed. Controlling high blood pressure, managing cholesterol and diabetes, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, and managing stress significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

How should I prepare for a stress test?

Specific instructions will be provided when your test is booked. Generally, you may be asked to avoid caffeine for several hours beforehand, wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing, and potentially hold certain heart medications (like beta-blockers) on the day of the test. Always confirm instructions with the testing facility or Dr. Sharma's office.

What should I bring to my first cardiology appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card).
• The referral letter.
• A complete list of ALL current medications (including doses and frequencies). Bringing the bottles is best.
• A list of past medical conditions, surgeries, and allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports or test results (e.g., recent ECGs, blood work).
• A list of your symptoms and questions for Dr. Sharma.

What does a Cardiologist specialize in?

A Cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system). This includes conditions like coronary artery disease (Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)), heart attacks, heart failure (Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring)), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats like Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up), valve problems, and high blood pressure.

10655 Southport Rd SW
Calgary, AB T2W 4Y1

Phone: (587) 393-8482

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sharma is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=bee11a95-284e-4646-b362-12deb23e25c0&i=1317