Dr. Rishi Kumar Arora, MD

I have an unusual form of AFIB that at least 3 other doctors have tried to mistreat with blood thinners (including another doctor at Northwestern, one at Loyola and one at Rush) even though my CHAD score is 0. Dr. Arora was the only to suggest I avoid the blood thinners and continue taking Flecainide, which was 5 years ago, and I haven't had any AFIB since. From the research I did when originally looking for a top electrophysiologist in Chicago (5 years ago), I focused on those who conduct research on AFIB, which is how I found Dr. Arora (I scanned medical journals for names of doctors in Chicago conducting research on AFIB). Looking at the other reviews, I'll be the first to admit he's difficult to get an appointment with (I usually need to book 3 months ahead for my annual physical), but I think that's partly because he teaches at Northwestern's medical school which takes time away from seeing patients. When I speak with him about advances in the field, he appears to be on the… cutting edge. If I had to balance my review with the others posted here, I would say he may not be your go-to doctor as a regular cardiologist, but he's highly qualified on the best treatments for AFIB.

I was told that I should see him again in a month after the first visit. At that visit he suggested I be admitted to the hospital there to begin loading me on a heart rhythm medication to try prior to having an ablation for aFib done. It has now been 3 months and I can't get an appointment. He seemed very knowledgeable and his staff and the NMH was great, but he is way to busy for patients care.

Saw Dr. Arora for afib. He started me on full strength aspirin and metroprolol. I began getting very deep purple bruises on my feet and arms. I called and spoke to his nurse and they totally blew off my concerns. He put me on an anti-arrhythmia drug which made it difficult for me to breathe I could not walk from my bed to the bathroom. I called the office and the nurse told me I would adjust to the medicine. Finally after calling, speaking to his nurse who was rude and invalidated what I was saying, seeing Dr. Arora and being validated I switched and got another doctor. The other doctor changed my medicine and I felt much better. There is something worng when a doctor and his nurse don't listen and invalidate what you tell them. The medicines he prescribed did not work for me and his telling me that my body would adjust was not acceptable. My current doctor has me doing very well.