At one of the most stressful moments of my life, I felt completely unsupported and dismissed by this practice. After receiving serious cardiac MRI results at 35 years old, I understandably had questions and anxiety about what this could mean for my future. When I asked Dr. Charles Swerdlow whether my condition was serious, his response was sarcastic and insensitive: "Really bad, because that's what you want to hear, right? Well, at least it could be, or you could live a normal life." Instead of providing clarity, reassurance, or professionalism, the conversation left me feeling even more distressed and confused. I also found many of my questions were answered vaguely, often with reliance on AI-generated responses rather than clear medical guidance tailored to my situation. Unfortunately, the issues extended beyond the doctor himself. The office staff was extremely difficult to reach, unresponsive to calls and emails, and showed very little empathy for what patients may be going through. After trying repeatedly for an entire week to schedule a follow-up appointment regarding serious MRI findings, Dr. Swerdlow accused me of "abusing his staff" simply because I persistently followed up after receiving no response. Mind you, this was after he had already reviewed my MRI results and knew I was dealing with frightening and potentially serious news. Rather than showing compassion or urgency, I was treated like an inconvenience for trying to speak with my doctor. He then told me his assistant would call me to schedule my next appointment before abruptly hanging up on me. The assistant never called, which only reinforced the exact communication issues I had been trying to address in the first place. Compassion, professionalism, and communication matter -- especially in cardiology, where patients are often scared and vulnerable. My experience with this office left me feeling dismissed, anxious, and unsupported during a time when I needed medical guidance the most. I'm now exploring other practices, and I would encourage others to carefully consider their options as well. read more

Dr. Swerdlow is an incredible doctor and person. He changed not only my life but my mother's as well. As a mother of two young kids who had suffered from debilitating electrical heart issues for years, his ablation procedure finally corrected the problem and changed my life completely - I was no longer living in fear. When my mother began suffering from AFib and SVT, we flew her to California so Dr. Swerdlow could help. He did - and supported her closely throughout her recovery. My family and I cannot overstate our gratitude for his brilliant mind, kind heart, and equally exceptional staff. There is no one in the world I would trust more with my heart or the hearts of those I love. read more

Dr. Swerdlow performed a successful ablation on me 26 years ago for ventricular tachycardia. I am a near life long addict and alcoholic, before and after the ablation. I am now a very healthy 57 year old with 9 years clean and sober, and a drug and alcohol counselor with great purpose in life. Thank you for saving my life Dr. Swerdlow! read more

Dr Swerdlow saved my life!!!!! Since I came 6 years ago for a biannual check up, he found the root of all my health problems. He was insisting that I could have a very rare autoimmune disease of the heart. It was so unlikely that I didn't consider it. And he was right. This saved my life. I can't thank him enough for the good care he took of me. In my opinion he is a genius cardiologist. The best of the best. He never gives up on you. He will do everything to fix you. And he did. Thank you so much Dr Swerdlow, I even can't thank you enough. read more

This is the doctor that changed my besty's life. Ken's arrhythmia started when he was a teenager. It was painful and scary and he ended up in the ER multiple times when he had a bout of tachycardia and his heart couldn't slow down. Dr. Swerdlow performed a cryothermal catheter ablation to fix my besty's heart. He spent 7 1/2 hours working away to fix a tiny little channel that wasn't working right. When he came out at the end of the day to let Ken's mom and I know that everything was okay and there was a 90% chance that his heart would work just perfect from then on, I finally cried all the tears I'd held in all day while I was fearing the worst. Thank you, Dr. Swerdlow! You are my hero. read more

Charles Swerdlow, MD - Cardiologists Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

I have had heart issues all my life. I moved to LA in my 20s and started having him monitor me. 20+ years later I have moved in and out of LA, seen other electro physiologists due to being in different cities and without a doubt I have not interacted with a more talented physician. Over the last 20 years, I have been under his knife six times. Each time he has been the medical partner you want IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. He is brilliant, he understands risk, he is current on today's technology, he is talented and concerned for the patient. When I speak to him, I am confident I am giving myself the best opportunity for a successful outcome. I saw some reviews discussing his bedside manner. Really? I have not experienced the issues the others have but 1 I have had hard conversations with him where he told me THE TRUTH and 2. If he had the worst bedside manner, had to wait hours to see him on a bed of nails, I would do it if it gave me the best possible chance TO LIVE the rest of my life. I will continue to see him. I would bet my life recommending him because I already have. read more

I saw 4 different cardiologists and received 5 different diagnoses/recommendations over a period of a year. Since there was no consistency in advice, I did nothing but continued to suffer with heart issues. Finally I went to see Dr. Swerdlow and was convinced of the need for a pacemaker. After out patient surgery a couple of months ago my problems are gone, totally resolved. The physical improvement is life changing. I couldn't be happier with the results of following his counsel. [After extensive testing he concluded the pacemaker was necessary and would improve my quality of life, he was exactly correct.] read more

Now three years and two months later: My arrhythmias were very complex. But, I AM CURED. Thank you Dr. Swerdlow. There is nothing I could ever say or do to thank him enough for restoring my life. read more

STAY AWAY.... I have to agree with the review posted by Kurt D. Dr. Swerdlow is arrogant and abusive.I came to him for a second opinion. He was very intimidated by the Dr. I was seeking the second opinion from. His way of dealing with it was to treat me as low as possible and to continually tell me how talented he was. He complained about having to read my records ( that is what you do in the case of a second opinion, ISN'T IT?) He did absolutely nothing to help correct my problem. It was all about him. Shame on this Dr. read more

Dr Swerdlow and the teams at CVMG & Cedars Sinai are just fantastic! I had been experiencing extreme fatigue during extended activities (running, cycling, hiking...I'm an active 60yr old male). Dr Swerdlow (with the help of Dr Lew) diagnosed my ATRIAL FLUTTER and clearly explained risks, treatments and recommended course of action. After a brief stint with medication, I went into Cedars for a Right Atria ablation on the morning of Oct 13th. Dr Swerdlow did an amazing job and I was home relaxing by the afternoon. No pain...only minor discomfort at the incision sites (groin). I walked 3 miles the next day and felt great. Continued and easy walking regimen for the week. I went back to CVMG for my follow up on Oct 21 and was given the "all clear" that day and have been back to my normal activities since then. My HR monitor (Garmin chest strap) and home EKG monitor have confirmed normal sinus rhythm and my heart rate increasing/decreasing as it's supposed to :) I couldn't be more pleased and am now up in Mammoth Lakes looking forward to Opening Day this Friday Oct 29th! Thank you Dr Swerdlow!! read more

I was referred to Dr. Swerdlow almost two years ago, and I cannot be more grateful for his advice, treatment, and positive results after a difficult time in my life. After my initial concerns were put at ease, he suggested, and I agreed, to various treatments, all monitored with the utmost care and evaluation each time. The ablation he performed almost a year ago proved successful and thanks to him I feel like a new person. Thank you, Dr. Swerdlow! read more

Dr Charles Swerdlow has saved my life twice in the last 5 months. He performed a successful right atrial ablation to stop my flutter in October of 2020, and then did a more complicated left atrial ablation in March 2021 to stop my afib. Also successful. I wouldn't go to any other electro-physiologist. He does a great job explaining the surgery, what you need and why you need it. His personality and bedside manner are direct and necessary when you have dangerous heart issues. He is kind, caring, and completely professional. He is in Hollywood lingo "a star". I grew up in LA and feel very lucky to have been referred to him by my main cardiologist Dr William Mandel. Thank you Bill and Chuck. I salute thee. read more

Having had a heart attack at an early age, my heart has now been damaged for over 40 years. Even though I had the "best of the best" cardiac advisors in New York and Florida, my prognosis then was only a 25% chance of living long enough to see my children become adults. About 10 years ago, I asked my then Electro-Cardio Physiologist to recommend the best doctor in California to help me deal with my ongoing heart arrhythmia issues. He, along with my son, who is a Neuro Physiologist in the San Francisco area, both recommended Dr. Charles Swerdlow. My heart has severe tissue damage, making surgical treatments that much more complicated. There is no question that Dr. Swerdlow is a very busy doctor, and with good reason. He is professionally, courteously and intellectually over contemplative about his decisions, quite obviously because he carries the heavy burdens of life saving advice and decisions for each patient. This is a very important part of my defining Dr. Swerdlow's value. The bottom line should always be measured by results, and as far as I am concerned, the results Dr. Swerdlow has achieved with me have been spectacular. His medical advice and his surgical expertise have been relentless in his efforts to solve my heart issues. Were it not for him I probably would not be here today, and certainly would not be able to live my life comfortably. Once again I can say that I now have the "best of the best"; a doctor's doctor. The health experiences I have had over the last 10 years with Dr. Swerdlow, and his staff, continue to be successful in keeping me alive. Some of the reviews I have read, all of which lead me to believe they are not reviewing the Dr Swerdlow I know, seem to concentrate on everything but the real reasons for seeking his medical opinion. There seemed to be very little consideration for Dr. Swerdlow's intellectual, definitive approach that he courteously and patiently shared with me, and to his surgical skills that have led to all my successful treatments. Again, the bottom line should always be measured by results, and as far as I am concerned, the results Dr. Swerdlow has achieved with me have been spectacular. I am thankful for his help, and I highly recommend his services read more

My husband has been going to Dr Swerdlow for over 20 years. First for an ablation for SVT which was completely successful and most recent for an ablation for AFib/AFlutter which was also successful. He is dedicated to his profession and his patients and he is the best at what he does. We highly recommend him to anyone searching for an excellent Electro Physiologist. We now live out of state but we are happy to make the drive to see Dr Swerdlow. We wouldn't trust anyone else. He takes the time to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease. His staff is just as caring, always returning any phone calls and making sure all your questions are answered. Thank you Dr Swerdlow for your excellent care read more

Before scheduling to see Dr. Swerdlow read the recent malpractice litigation against him. Google: VALER V. SECAREA, JR., v. REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA et al., He is the most unpleasant doctor I've ever met. Arrogant, abusive to patients and staff alike. Appears to do you a favor to answer life impacting questions. Suggest getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion before proceeding as with any surgery, He stated that cardioversion was the best procedure for a-Fib when other cardiologists have told me there is no study comparing it to simply doing nothing. He babbles med jargon but refuses to explain. Dealing with this doctor was terribly unpleasant. read more

Excellent cardiologist..! In fact the best...EP Dr. I have met. I met him...in 1997..(as a writer in Beverly Hills..from Philadelphia)-I was having frequent irregular beats..& runs of SVT. Dr. Swerdlow explained to me, what was happening & why. He took so much time to explain. He is a cardiologist, with a "heart" ! -- As I am now older, I may need a cardiac ablation (and I am in Philadelphia, with terrific Drs)- but, if & when I need one, Dr. Swerdlow is the one--! His excellent reputation has earned him praises from cardiologists even here, 3,000 miles away, in Philadelphia--! (Cardiologists at Thomas Jefferson hospital know of him-) I was lucky to have met him. (A caring ER Dr, in Cedar Sinai Hospital made an appt for me with him-! How lucky I was.) He is really special--! (Richard in Philly ) read more

My first experience with Dr. Swerdlow was when I got a call at work and the phone was handed to him, while my usual cardiologist was on vacation. He called having just read the results of a test I'd had. Let me say, especially after reading other reviews, he is definitely an "acquired taste." Within hours of his call which was pretty frank on his part (to put it mildly), I was at the hospital and under his knife. If you want a doctor that minces words, Dr Swerdlow is not for you. But if you want the best heart surgeon (for electrical issues), he's the one. I've been well since that day (May 2019), with a special pacemaker (no leads, whatever that means) to accommodate another otherwise unrelated health issue. His bedside manner is unusual, to say the least. But there's a certain charm to it, especially if you're scared, which I was. He was thorough and shared all the options with me, before the surgery. I had total confidence that I was doing the right thing, from what he said. My regular consulting cardiologist says, that I "had the best." I'd choose no one else. read more

Suzan B. If they had more stars, Dr. Swerdlow would get them. He is the most brilliant, caring Doctor I have ever met. My husband, Irwin, has had a heart condition since he was 32 and is now 72 thanks to Dr. Swerdlow. Irwin has had many procedures done while living in New York and Florida. We are living in California for the last 9 years and thanks to Dr. Swerdlow, Irwin's quality of life has improved greatly. Irwin could not walk 1 block without getting out of breathe. Now he can walk many blocks without a problem. Dr. Swerdlow did complicated procedures on Irwin, but never rushed into them. He thought out every procedure carefully and made sure this would be the right one for Irwin. All I can say, Dr. Swerdlow you saved my husband's life. Thank you for being such a wonderful human being. read more

Dr. Swerdlow is a brilliant and compassionate physician and surgeon. He saved my husband's life when he was in ICU going into shock at a hospital across town 11 years ago. His subsequent surgeries and compassionate care changed the course of my husband's disease and his quality of life. We moved to another state last year, and with Dr. Swerdlow's gentle assistance, we are slowly transitioning our care to a doctor he knows and respects. We have tremendous faith in Dr. Swerdlow and his excellent team of professionals. His entire team over the years has been and continues to be top notch. I would refer anyone in need of excellent professional care to him. read more

I had episodes of AFib for almost 20 years. Every time I would get one I would go to the ER and they would zap me back. This would happen once or twice every year. It was bearable. However, in 2013 I visited the ER 11 times, almost once every month. Dr Swerdlow performed the ablation on April 14 of 2014. At that time the chances of not having another episode after the ablation was 70% for 1 year. Well it's been 3 years and I have been AFib free. Not a single episode. I'm so grateful to this man. He did a fantastic job and I'll recommend him to anybody who needs an ablation. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Swerdlow for a little over 1 year, travelling all the way from Orange County to see him. He is an excellent doctor and tells it as it is, without "mincing any words"! I have had atrial flutter about 10 years ago. When I first saw him, he ordered the modern version of Holter and echocardiogram and then determined that my heart condition was in good shape except for the atrial flutter. Because my last episode of atrial flutter was almost 10 years ago, he did not recommend ablation. Today, he suggested that I monitor my liver function tests twice a year while I am taking Multaq OR I should let the atrial flutter to occur so that he can use surgical means to remove the flutter forever. Because I live so far away AND my family members have many health problems which need more urgent attention, I will stay with the toxic prescritption drug Multaq for now. Love a doctor who calls it as is. BTW, my wife also sees Dr,. Swerdlow for her idiopathic anomaly in basal EKG. read more

I am a lawyer and a Judge Pro Tem. This man SAVED MY LIFE!...I will forever be indebted to him. I cannot put into words the debt of gratitude I owe this MAGNIFICENT DOCTOR for his quick thinking, sophisticated medical intervention in a time when most Doctors would lose it and not care to go the EXTRA mile as he did in my case. I was brought into Cedars Sinai by the Beverly Hills Paramedics in FULL CARDIAC ARREST..and obviously my situation was grave. I was 37 years old and had a full life in front of me which was cut short by this VERY RARE Coronary Artery disease called Prinzmetals Angina. Most cardiologist have never treated this disease much less know the appropriate treatment. (basically your coronary arteries go into spasm like a muscle spasm in your leg and close of ALL the artery and the blood going to your heart.) This M.I.T and Stanford DUAL graduate Dr. Swerdlow immediately went into action to pull a diagnosis (I was in a coma and no one knew what caused my " death" (i.e cardiac arrest). Dr. Swerdlow immediately did an angiogram of the coronary arteries, and basically every other coronary and electrophysiological test there is in a heroic effort (without quitting to search for this "needle in the haystack " rare disease. He without hesitation IMPLANTED an ICD in my chest PROTECTIVELY JUST IN CASE ..immediately (Not knowing the diagnosis) . After three weeks in ICU I went home still not knowing what had caused the Cardiac Arrest . ( The whole Cedars Cardiology department could not at this point conclusively figure out what had occurred.)... The first Tuesday I was home I was getting ready to go to Court and "BAM" my chest shuddered...It was the ICD that Dr. Swerdlow had prophylactically put in my chest JUST IN CASE!.. I AGAIN WAS IN CARDIAC ARREST THAT TUESDAY MORNING AND THIS TIME MY FIANCEE WASNT HOME TO CALL THE PARAMEDICS. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS ABLE TO SAVE ME THAT TUESDAY MORNING AT 37 YEARS OLD WAS THAT ICD THAT DR. SWERDLOW IMPLANTED IN MY CHEST JUST IN CASE. (the extra mile!) I was readmitted to Cedars for a month where Dr. Swerlow tirelessly worked continuously through monitoring,meetings,conferences, tests, night and day to find the cause of my arrests. He finally did one Wednesday while I was hooked up to every monitor you can imagine. This man , THIS DOCTOR , in every true sense of the word ..literally saved my life. Without his thorough, unfettered, masterful educated practice of the science of medicine coupled with his humanity as a man, and his dedication as a doctor in doing all he could for me I wouldnt be on this planet! When I read these other posts, I am disappointed that some of them misinterpreted his quest for diligence and expediency as "abruptness" . He is a BRILLIANT , COMPASSIONATE PHYSICIAN. BTW, he cured my vasospasm (Printzmetals Angina) once diagnosed and I have been Spasm free now for years. Dr. Swerdlow has done 5 replacement ICD surgeries PERFECTLY since the first implantation (battery life ended). A wonderful man, Doctor and human being. read more

Dr. Swerdlow is truly a amazing doctor! He has been my cardiologist/physiologist for several years. I was luckily steered to him by another physician who I can't thank enough. Initially I was diagnosed with heart failure and was told that I needed a pacemaker/defibrillator. My ejection rate was 30% at the time. He performed the surgery and I went from 30% ejection rate to 50% shortly after the procedure. Can't ask for more than that. To say the least I am not an easy patient, Dr. Swerdlow has always taken all the time necessary to explain everything clearly to myself and my family even when I'm sure I was driving him crazy. I cannot thank him enough for the care I received before and after the surgery. Recently (last week) Dr. Swerdlow performed a procedure on me... again I am still far from an easy patient, I couldn't ask for a better doctor or better care before or after the procedure and figured the least I could do was to leave this review for him. His staff gets five stars also they are the best! A big thank you to them especially Kimberly and Armando. Thanks again Dr. Swerdlow! read more

One of the worst Dr.'s I have ever been to. Forgetting for a moment how he is as a human being, bedside manner, etc., this is strictly how he is as a surgeon. I was 32 when I met Dr. Swerdlow and knew I had a heart condition. He was so cock sure that I didn't need a surgery and I had to urge him to prescribe another heart monitor, so he could see more results. He called me two weeks later when he got the results from my monitor, which showed a BPM that peaked at 294. He immediately said, "I'm wrong and you need surgery asap for SVT." A few weeks later, as he did have the sweetest assistant who fit me in right away, Dr. Swerdlow went in to do the surgery and 3 hours later was unsuccessful. A good Dr. would have gone back in another time, but I think he was too scared and his ego was too big to say "I failed!" I asked when we could schedule another surgery and he replied with, "you're fine." He tried me on one beta-blocker which brought out Bradycardia and then gave me the advice in his office, in front of my parents to "smoke weed," and wrote me off completely. Since then I have had 3 more ablations by great, competent Dr's and am doing fantastic! As far as I'm concerned his license should be revoked as he not only pays no attention to the Hippocratic Oath he is sworn by, but just does whatever he wants. Worst Dr. EVER. read more

Dr. Swerdlow is amazing! And I'm not an easy patient, he totally had his hands full with me. My previous doctor overlooked my irregular heartbeat, saying it was irritated airways..so by the time I reached the ER I was in really bad shape. I went to Dr. Swerdlow he suggested a procedure that scared the crap out of me...after 2 more opinions by other Dr.'s (who by the way said I was definitely in good hands) I had the procedure done and I'm better then ever. read more

Everything about my experience with Dr. Swerdlow was very impressive. To start with the office staff and the nurses were friendly and made me feel very comfortable. Dr. Swerdlow was the best of any of the cardiologists I had been involved with as he truly took his time and cared about my situation . He explained everything and the thing that impressed me the most was that he listened to me. If anyone has any problems with atrial fibrilation or any heart rhythm problems this is the doctor to see. read more

Dr. Swerdlow is amazing! I was a healthy, active person until passing out in July of last year. I worked out 6 days a week and then all of a sudden I couldn't even walk up my stairs without having to stop to catch my breath. I have two small girls and was accustomed to leading an active lifestyle. After a week of nearly passing out with little exertion, I went to my general doctor and was sent to the ER with severe tachycardia. In the months that followed I had two previous failed Catheter Ablations prior to finding Dr. Swerdlow. I was told by my previous cardiologist that I would need a pacemaker, that my SVT was too complex and that I was a complicated case. I immediately asked my insurance company for a second opinion and found Dr. Swerdlow on the Top Doctor's List. My insurance agreed to let me see him and later to pay for him to do a catheter ablation. Dr. Swerdlow researched my arrhythmia, spoke with my last cardiologist, and accepted the challenge. The procedure was long and I feel very blessed that Dr. Swerdlow and his team were persistent in taking care of the problem! I have been SVT free for two months now and look forward to running in a 5K in the near future. I am now coaching both my girls in soccer, doing boot camp fitness, and trying to get back into the shape I was in last summer. I highly recommend Dr. Swerdlow, he has truly given me my life back!!! Sincerely, Jennifer R. read more

One year ago today Dr Swerdlow did my heart ablation and I have never felt better!!! Thank you Doc

I love love love Dr Swerdlow. I live in Orange County and was seeing another Electrophysiologist who I was very very unhappy with. I decided to find another Electrophysiologist for a second opinion and found Dr Swerdlow. My first apt took over 2 hours. He took out his time to listen to all my concerns and go over my medical records with me. I was so impressed. He is warm, friendly, sincere and has great bedside manners. His staff is amazing too. Armando who check my defribrillator is very nice and knowledgeable and Kimberly is great. She's always there to answer your questions and gets back to you when she says she will no matter how busy she is. All the other staff are super friendly as well. I feel so blessed to have found this doctor. I have had over 30 smthing shocks from my device so I'm always feeling on edge and have a great deal of anxiety but it's been a lot better since I've seen Dr Swerdlow. Thank you to everyone at the office. read more

Let me start off by saying Dr. Swerdlow is an amazing heart doctor! Dr. Swerdlow is extremely passionate about his profession and takes pride in what he does. David, my friend which is 83 years of age is a patient and suffers from congestive heart failure. David could not walk more than 10 feet without running out of breath and would be forced to sit down and catch his breath constantly prior to seeing Dr. Swerdlow. After being treated for congestive heart failure by Dr. Swerdlow, David is now able to walk with ease and is real happy being himself again. Also, Armando is a wonderful addition to the Swerdlow team! Armando goes above and beyond and is extremely knowledgeable in his field! He takes the time to listen to the patient and help them understand the process and procedures. This place wouldn't be the same without him!! David Hnow extremely active and walks 3 miles a day. We can't thank Dr. Swerdlow enough. We are extremely happy to have David back like his old self. Full of life and healthy to enjoy it. Thank you Dr. Swerdlow and staff for giving me one of my best friends back and a chance for him to enjoy life again! With your care, David will live a long and healthier life! THANK YOU!! read more

Dr. Swerdlow saved my husband's life. No kidding. When my husband had heart failure, he was taken to our local hospital. Within a day, he had developed an infection in his arm. And the local hospital was pushing for tests to be done that would endanger my husband's only functioning kidney. A friend of ours got my husband transfered to Cedars-Sinai and specifically to Dr. Swerdlow. The infection, which had been worsening by the hour, was immediately gotten under control and then Dr. Swerdlow took over. He knew all of the latest drugs and the results we could expect with the doses. He was honest and forthright. Then he installed a defibulator in my husband's chest so that I could sleep at night! It has been four years now. My husband had only 30% of a functioning heart when we started with Dr. Swerdlow. Now he has "for all purposes a normally functioning heart." That was the last report. When I asked Dr. Swerdlow if I should still worry, he actually laughed at me! read more