Dr Anil Gupta: Transforming Cardiac Care With Focus On Prevention
Dr Anil Gupta
Cardiologist
However, research suggests that up to 80 percent of premature heart attacks and strokes could be prevented through proactive measures. This guides us to the work of Dr Anil Gupta, a visionary Indo-Canadian cardi- ologist, who is leading efforts to reshape cardiac care. With a focus on early detection and lifestyle adjustments, Dr Anil’s mission is to prevent heart disease before it strikes. Also, his expertise has been called upon by many, from Grammy winning musicians and Bollywood icons to NBA (National Basketball Association) and ATP (Associ-ation of Tennis Profe- ssionals) stars. However the focus on his community and improving the health of the general population remains paramount to him.
Dr Anil was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, to Indo-Canadian parents. His father was a university professor, and while academics were essential, he also played recreational sports and volunteered in charitable projects, while balancing intellect, humanitarianism, and a little bit of cardio on the side.
After medical school at Dalhousie, he moved to London, Ontario, to specialize in cardiology. Now, he is a practicing as a cardiologist in Mississauga (just outside Toronto), at Canada’s largest community hospital and in one of its largest cardiology clinics. Which means his schedule is full, but satisfaction levels are off the charts.
One big motivation for choosing this field, especially being a South Asian, has been addressing the high rates of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The draw to cardiology is because it is both preventable and treatable, and the field is constantly evolving with new science and methods that can truly change lives.
He was the first trainee on the Canadian Cardiology Society (CCS) board/council and was also honored with the Trainee Excellence in Teaching Award from the CCS for his work at that time. Fast forward 25 years, life has come full circle! He is back on the board, not as a student this time,but as a practicing cardiologist.
In this exclusive CEO Insights interview, Dr Anil discusses his transformative approach to heart health.
Is there any specific and interesting challenge you reminisce about at this point?
Well, the pandemic surely was one, but it also united our cardiology community across Canada. We were stuck at home but not stuck on ideas! We
hosted virtual webinars and kept the knowledge flowing. While the public and physicians were isolated, this helped bring the cardiology community together during this unprece-dented time. I was major contributor to this Covid Rapid Response team, which was conferred with the Canadian Cardiology Society Humanitarian Award.
To tackle issues that arise from the doctor-patient ratio, we are shifting focus to prevention and education. Many physicians are focused on educating people with sound, evidence-based information. I am actively involved in the community, giving lectures in public spaces, not just within my own community but to the general public. The goal is to promote scienti-fically proven methods for improving health and to dispel myths and misun-formation.
Speaking of challenges that patients face, I think it is beyond the clinic walls. Many patients come in with not just medical issues but social and psycho-logical challenges too. I am working with the Ministry of Health on ways to address these problems early, hopefully helping them. I was also on the board of United Way Toronto, to meet human needs and improve social conditions, such as home-lessness.
There are many factors that steer people away from their core activities. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep and reducing stress are foundational. Implementation of these life style strategies could prevent up to 80 percent of cardiac disease in our society.
There is a lot of attention on social media & browsing, where misinformation is rampant. The challenge arises when patients are influenced by practices that aren't backed by solid evidence, leading them away from approaches that are proven to work. Every week, new discoveries roll in, and keeping up with them is a full-time job! As doctors, we’re in lifelong learning mode, constantly adapting and applying new knowledge.
How are you leveraging health information techno- logy to improve diagnostics?
Cardiology is one of those fields where patients often need to interact with a doctor directly, and with a growing population, demand can outstrip the availability of doctors. Some patients might wait months to see a specialist. To tackle this, we’re integrating technology to catch conditions earlier, especially those where early intervention can really make a difference. One standout example is AI technology for cardiac ultrasound. We can now use AI to scan all our cardiac ultrasounds, which allows us to identify conditions that might have been missed. The AI helps us spot emerging conditions and has improved patient care.
Another big change is the accessibility of technology for patients at home. We’re educating our cardiologists on what’s effective and practical among all the home wearable devices. As the Chair of Continuing Professional Deve-
To tackle issues that arise from the doctor-patient ratio, we are shifting focus to prevention and education. Many physicians are focused on educating people with sound, evidence-based information. I am actively involved in the community, giving lectures in public spaces, not just within my own community but to the general public. The goal is to promote scienti-fically proven methods for improving health and to dispel myths and misun-formation.
Dr Anil’s life can be summed as ‘Meraki’, putting his heart, soul, and purpose into every thing he does, from cardiology to family values and humanitarian efforts
Speaking of challenges that patients face, I think it is beyond the clinic walls. Many patients come in with not just medical issues but social and psycho-logical challenges too. I am working with the Ministry of Health on ways to address these problems early, hopefully helping them. I was also on the board of United Way Toronto, to meet human needs and improve social conditions, such as home-lessness.
There are many factors that steer people away from their core activities. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep and reducing stress are foundational. Implementation of these life style strategies could prevent up to 80 percent of cardiac disease in our society.
There is a lot of attention on social media & browsing, where misinformation is rampant. The challenge arises when patients are influenced by practices that aren't backed by solid evidence, leading them away from approaches that are proven to work. Every week, new discoveries roll in, and keeping up with them is a full-time job! As doctors, we’re in lifelong learning mode, constantly adapting and applying new knowledge.
How are you leveraging health information techno- logy to improve diagnostics?
Cardiology is one of those fields where patients often need to interact with a doctor directly, and with a growing population, demand can outstrip the availability of doctors. Some patients might wait months to see a specialist. To tackle this, we’re integrating technology to catch conditions earlier, especially those where early intervention can really make a difference. One standout example is AI technology for cardiac ultrasound. We can now use AI to scan all our cardiac ultrasounds, which allows us to identify conditions that might have been missed. The AI helps us spot emerging conditions and has improved patient care.
Another big change is the accessibility of technology for patients at home. We’re educating our cardiologists on what’s effective and practical among all the home wearable devices. As the Chair of Continuing Professional Deve-
lopment at the Canadian Cardiology Society, it’s my job to help keep our cardiologists up to speed with these tools. Not every gadget on the market is worth the hype, so we focus on what truly works and brings tangible results.
Speaking of interventional solutions, how do you envision the healthcare industry evolving to address issues proactively before they worsen?
The most impactful approach is empowering patients. While this may sound basic, it’s often the simplest things that matter the most. It’s not always about advanced technology or high-end interventions but rather about teaching people how to care for themselves. Self-care and patient empowerment can be game-changers in healthcare.
How do we achieve that? Technology certainly plays a role. Developing tools that enable patients to assess where they stand in their health journey and understand their trajectory can motivate them to take better care of themselves. For instance, innovations in earlier detection, such as continuous glucose monitoring, home blood pressure machines, newer imaging technologies, and new biomarkers are critical and hold immense promise, particularly in fields like cardiology.
However, the foundation of a healthier society lies in the basics like promoting healthier eating, encouraging exercise, and rethinking the way we structure our environments. By changing the content of our food, creating cities that encourage walking over driving, and reducing air pollution, we can create a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for everyone. These seemingly straightforward changes can have a profound impact on public health.
One fundamental principle is to lead by example. This means demonstrating humanity in your interactions, respecting diverse opinions, and navigating these differences. In today’s world, we encounter various perspectives, not just in politics but also in healthcare. By respecting and validating everyone’s viewpoint, you can guide others towards facts in the most effective approach, which inspires them to emulate that behavior.
Additionally, we have a new generation of exceptionally talented physicians entering the field. It's vital to create oppor -tunities for them to step into leadership roles. As leaders, we must recognize when it’s time to make space for others to grow and take on responsibilities that we have traditionally held.
As leaders, we should commit to self-development and mentor the next generation. By doing so, we not only enhance our own skills but also empower those who will shape the future of healthcare.
Dr Anil Gupta, Cardiologist, One Heart Care
Dr Anil Gupta is a Staff Cardiologist at Trillium Health Partners and has served as physician Lead for Innovation, Cardiac Rehab and the Coronary Care Unit. He sits on the board of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, where he chairs the continuing professional deve- lopment program. He also serves on Telefilm Canada’s Talent Fund and consults for Basketball Canada and Tennis Canada, including for the National Bank Open.
Speaking of interventional solutions, how do you envision the healthcare industry evolving to address issues proactively before they worsen?
The most impactful approach is empowering patients. While this may sound basic, it’s often the simplest things that matter the most. It’s not always about advanced technology or high-end interventions but rather about teaching people how to care for themselves. Self-care and patient empowerment can be game-changers in healthcare.
How do we achieve that? Technology certainly plays a role. Developing tools that enable patients to assess where they stand in their health journey and understand their trajectory can motivate them to take better care of themselves. For instance, innovations in earlier detection, such as continuous glucose monitoring, home blood pressure machines, newer imaging technologies, and new biomarkers are critical and hold immense promise, particularly in fields like cardiology.
However, the foundation of a healthier society lies in the basics like promoting healthier eating, encouraging exercise, and rethinking the way we structure our environments. By changing the content of our food, creating cities that encourage walking over driving, and reducing air pollution, we can create a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for everyone. These seemingly straightforward changes can have a profound impact on public health.
One fundamental principle is to lead by example. This means demonstrating humanity in your interactions, respecting diverse opinions, and navigating these differences. In today’s world, we encounter various perspectives, not just in politics but also in healthcare. By respecting and validating everyone’s viewpoint, you can guide others towards facts in the most effective approach, which inspires them to emulate that behavior.
Additionally, we have a new generation of exceptionally talented physicians entering the field. It's vital to create oppor -tunities for them to step into leadership roles. As leaders, we must recognize when it’s time to make space for others to grow and take on responsibilities that we have traditionally held.
As leaders, we should commit to self-development and mentor the next generation. By doing so, we not only enhance our own skills but also empower those who will shape the future of healthcare.
Dr Anil Gupta, Cardiologist, One Heart Care
Dr Anil Gupta is a Staff Cardiologist at Trillium Health Partners and has served as physician Lead for Innovation, Cardiac Rehab and the Coronary Care Unit. He sits on the board of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, where he chairs the continuing professional deve- lopment program. He also serves on Telefilm Canada’s Talent Fund and consults for Basketball Canada and Tennis Canada, including for the National Bank Open.