Integrative Cardiology and Heart Health Month with Dr. Howard Elkin

Guest Bio: Howard Elkin, MD

Howard Elkin, MD, FACC has practiced cardiology in Whittier, California since 1986. He graduated with highest honors from the Medical College of Virginia in 1979, after which time he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. This was followed with a fellowship in clinical cardiology at Northwestern University. Dr. Elkin moved to Southern California in 1984, where he completed an additional fellowship in invasive cardiology at the Los Angeles Heart Institute. Dr. Elkin realized in the early 90’s that mainstream cardiology focused on diagnosing and treating patients who exhibited a disease of excess blood pressure, excess cholesterol, excess body weight, excess smoking, excess stress, and an inadequate amount of physical activity. “I discovered that even after “fixing” the problem with angioplasty, stent deployment, and/or bypass surgery, the patient would often revert back to their previous state of complacency relative to their healthy habits.”

In 1994, Dr. Elkin added a preventative component to his practice with the HeartWise Fitness Institute. Since its inception, this program for total wellness has gained popularity in the community by combining sound nutrition, exercise, and stress management to mitigate disease as well as attain vibrant health. Through this approach, patients are empowered to live happier, healthier, and less stressful lives. The 21st century proved to be both challenging and exciting as Dr. Elkin established the HeartWise Fitness and Longevity Center. This was after completing a fellowship in anti-aging medicine This program integrated the physical, nutritional and hormonal elements of aging with the aim of “turning back the clock”. Dr. Elkin fervently believes that it’s not about merely adding years to your life but adding life to your years. In 2002 he became the first physician in the area to introduce EECP (External Enhanced Counter Pulsation) to his practice. This is a non-invasive alternative to angioplasty and by-pass surgery for treatment of coronary heart disease in symptomatic patients. This treatment is done in the office and has proven to be a successful alternative to surgery for many patients. Dr. Elkin also created a forum that combined allopathic and holistic practitioners and healers. Entitled, “The Power of Healing: Exploring New Options for Healthy Living”, this retreat was held in March 2000 at the Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara. This forum was a success, so Dr. Elkin committed to repeat this program in order to continue to educate and inspire the informed public of not only medical advances, but various alternative therapies to assist in total wellness-physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. A program with a similar format has been repeated on three separate occasions. Dr. Elkin has written his first book entitled, FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE: WHEN DOCTOR BECOMES PATIENT. It describes his experience as a patient. Having been hospitalized twice on an emergency basis for two unrelated medical problems during a 19-month span, Dr. Elkin learned how crucial it was for him to step up to the plate and become his own best medical advocate. It was this journey that earned him the title, the Medical Advocate. The book outlines how his readers can do likewise without a formal medical training, so that they too, can become their own medical advocate.

In February 2018 Dr. Elkin expanded his services. He now offers a concierge medical practice in Santa Monica, California. The emphasis here is on total body wellness, with the aim being living a vibrant lifestyle.

Dr. Elkin practices what he preaches. He is an avid reader and writer and participates in several wellness and emotional release retreats. A competitive athlete, Dr. Elkin has run the proverbial gamut from mid and long-distance running, cycling and triathlons to gymnastics and body building.

In addition to bodybuilding, Dr. Elkin regularly participates in hiking, dancing and singing. He has raised two grown daughters DeAnna and Marisa and loves his new role as grandpa.