About
With expertise in Cardiology, Dr. Salima Nasser Shariff provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care for heart-related conditions. Practicing in Surrey, BC, she serves patients from the surrounding region, adhering to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her practice primarily focuses on adult patients with a broad range of cardiovascular concerns, ensuring personalized and evidence-based care.
Dr. Shariff graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Alberta in 1996 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training encompassed comprehensive clinical rotations, research, and subspecialty exposure, equipping her with the skills necessary to address complex cardiovascular issues.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes professional, patient-centered care combined with a commitment to continual learning and adherence to the highest standards of practice. She is dedicated to serving the Surrey community with compassion and expertise, communicating fluently in English and collaborating closely with referring physicians to optimize patient outcomes.
Dr. Shariff provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Valvular Heart Disease
- Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions: Evaluation and management of less common conditions affecting the right-sided heart valves.
- Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.
- Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
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.
- 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.
- Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Advanced Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol) Management: Treatment of complex or severe cholesterol disorders, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk or medication intolerance.
- Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Shariff is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor Assessment & Modification: Comprehensive evaluation of individual risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise, family history, etc.) and developing personalized prevention strategies.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Shariff. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC).
Dr. Shariff primarily practices at Surrey Memorial Hospital located in the West Newton area of Surrey, BC. The hospital is situated within the Strawberry Hill neighborhood and is easily accessible via the nearby commercial corridors of Guildford, Fleetwood, and South Surrey. Access is convenient from Highway 99, making it suitable for patients traveling from various parts of the region. The facility is well-connected by public transportation, including the TransLink SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus services. The hospital's location offers ample parking options. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Shariff covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Shariff are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Shariff?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shariff. 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.
- Does Dr. Salima Nasser Shariff replace my family doctor for general care?
- No, Dr. Shariff focuses specifically on your cardiovascular health as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor remains central to your overall healthcare, managing other health issues and coordinating routine care. Dr. Shariff collaborates closely with your family doctor, providing reports and recommendations.
- How long are cardiology appointments usually?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Shariff may take 45-75 minutes to allow for a thorough history and examination. Follow-up visits are typically shorter, around 15-30 minutes, depending on what needs to be discussed or reviewed. Please allow extra time for check-in and potential delays.
- When might my family doctor refer me to a Cardiologist?
- Referrals are common for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or fainting; abnormal ECG or stress test results; known heart conditions requiring specialist management (e.g., Evaluation for Suspected CAD, Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic), Cardiomyopathy (Various Types)); strong family history of heart disease; or managing cardiovascular risk factors in complex patients.
- How important is lifestyle in managing my heart condition?
- Lifestyle choices are extremely important for both preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. Adopting heart-healthy habits – like regular physical activity, a balanced diet low in sodium and unhealthy fats, smoking cessation, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight – can significantly improve outcomes and complement medical treatments recommended by Dr. Shariff.
Surrey Memorial Hospital
102-13798 94A Ave
Surrey, BC V3V 1N1
Phone: (604) 582-6500 | Fax: (604) 582-6504 | Website: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Locations/Surrey/surrey-memorial-hospital
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Shariff is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312768/Shariff%2CSalima