Dr. Saul Hillel Isserow – Cardiologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Saul Hillel Isserow, a respected Cardiologist, focuses on evidence-based cardiology practice and personalized patient treatment plans. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Isserow's primary role is to diagnose, treat, and manage various cardiovascular conditions, ensuring each patient receives comprehensive and compassionate care. His approach emphasizes patient education, early detection, and prevention, fostering a trusting relationship built on reassurance and clarity.

Dr. Isserow graduated with a MB BCh from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1986, in South Africa. He completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including fellowships and certifications from recognized Canadian institutions. His training includes successful completion of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada examinations, qualifying him as a specialist in cardiology and ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice.

His clinical philosophy is centered on reassurance, patient engagement, and individualized care. Dr. Isserow is committed to providing accessible, empathetic, and thorough cardiovascular care to adults in Vancouver. He communicates fluently in English, ensuring clear and effective dialogue with his patients, and values a patient-focused approach that prioritizes understanding, comfort, and optimal health outcomes.

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

Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy

• Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
• Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.
• Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.

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.
• Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
• Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.

Other Cardiovascular Conditions

• Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring): Medical management and monitoring of conditions affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms (in collaboration with vascular specialists).
• Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Isserow 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.
• Lipid Management (Cholesterol Treatment): Specialized management of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders using lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• 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.
• Stress Testing Supervision & Interpretation: Overseeing and interpreting exercise treadmill tests, stress echocardiograms, or nuclear stress tests to assess for coronary artery blockages and exercise capacity.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Isserow. 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. Isserow’s practice is primarily based at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and the UBC Hospital, situated within the UBC Campus Proper neighborhood of Vancouver. The location is conveniently close to the Downtown Entertainment District, making it accessible for patients from the city and surrounding areas. Patients can reach the facility via TransLink services including the SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as by bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Isserow covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Isserow 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. Isserow?

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Isserow. 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.

What is a Cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP)?

An Electrophysiologist is a Cardiologist who specializes further in the heart's electrical system and treats heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). They perform specialized tests (like EP studies) and procedures such as catheter ablation or implanting pacemakers/defibrillators. Dr. Isserow may refer patients with complex arrhythmias to an EP specialist if needed. As a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Isserow specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, including performing procedures like ablation or device implantation.

Can my spouse or family member come with me?

Yes, you are welcome to bring someone with you for support or to help listen and ask questions during your appointment with Dr. Isserow. Having another person present can often be very helpful, especially during complex discussions.

What is Holter monitoring?

A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that records your heart's electrical activity (ECG) continuously, typically for 24 to 48 hours, while you go about your normal daily activities. It's used to detect heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) that may not occur during a standard brief ECG in the office.

How long are cardiology appointments usually?

Your first consultation with Dr. Isserow 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.

VGH & UBC Hospital
2211 Wesbrook Mall, Van. Hospital & Hlth. Sc. Ctr. S11-0, Dept. of Cardiology
Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5

Phone: (604) 822-1747 | Fax: (604) 822-7625

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Isserow 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/306581/Isserow%2CSaul