Preventive Medicine Specialist

Dr. Bereliani is a distinguished leader in the field of preventive and functional cardiovascular medicine, recognized as a top doctor in Beverly Hills. With a deep commitment to advancing integrative medicine, he stands at the forefront of public health, serving as both a clinical instructor and a trailblazer in his specialty. As a preventive medicine specialist in California, Dr. Bereliani is among the most esteemed doctors globally, collaborating with experts across various disciplines including epidemiology, occupational and environmental medicine, hormone replacement therapy, aerospace medicine, and cardiology.

Dr. Bereliani completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA in 1993, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude. He then pursued his medical degree at Finch University of Health Sciences in Chicago, where he distinguished himself as the top student in a class of 192. His exceptional academic performance earned him numerous accolades, including an invitation to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) medical honor society, a distinction achieved by only 10% of medical students nationwide.

In 2000, Dr. Bereliani undertook his internal medicine internship and residency at the renowned Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, recognized as the top hospital in California and the entire West Coast. That same year, he completed his cardiology fellowship at UCLA, marking the culmination of his extensive medical training. His research during medical school concentrated on nuclear cardiology and cardiac imaging, areas he continues to specialize in at his Beverly Hills practice.

Dr. Bereliani's commitment to advancing the field of cardiology and preventive medicine extends beyond his practice. As a clinical instructor, he plays a vital role in mentoring medical students and residents, guiding them through their training and residency experiences. His expertise and dedication ensure that he remains at the forefront of medical education and patient care.

Preventive Medicine Q & A

What is unique about Dr. Bereliani’s approach to preventive medicine?

Dr. Bereliani's approach to preventive medicine stands out for its commitment to early detection and proactive management of cardiovascular health. He firmly believes that most forms of heart disease, including severe conditions like heart failure, can be entirely prevented with the right strategies. By leveraging modern medical science, Dr. Bereliani is able to identify risk factors associated with conditions such as coronary artery disease well before they manifest into serious health problems. This early detection allows for more manageable disease control and, in many cases, prevention through natural methods like exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes. In his Beverly Hills clinic, he employs sophisticated diagnostic methods to assess each patient’s unique genetic makeup and risk biomarkers. This detailed data, combined with a comprehensive medical history and thorough physical examination, enables him to craft highly individualized wellness plans. These plans are informed by a broad spectrum of medical knowledge, including conventional Western Medicine, evidence-based functional medicine, and orthomolecular medicine, which utilizes nutritional supplementation to maintain health.

His dedication to preventive care extends beyond heart disease to encompass a wide range of conditions, including cancer, chronic diseases, and cognitive aging issues. As one of the leading cardiologists in Los Angeles, Dr. Bereliani frequently handles complex cases referred to by his peers. In situations where preventative measures are not sufficient, he integrates appropriate medications and advanced surgical procedures, such as cardiac catheterization and angioplasty, to ensure comprehensive patient care. Dr. Bereliani's approach is not just about managing existing conditions but also about enhancing overall health and preventing future problems. His commitment to staying at the forefront of research and technology enables him to offer his patients the best possible care. This dedication to innovation, combined with his extensive experience and personalized approach, makes him a highly respected p in the field of preventive medicine and cardiology.

Dr. Bereliani’s unique approach to preventive medicine is characterized by his proactive stance on early detection, his use of advanced diagnostic tools, and his personalized care plans. His work is driven by a deep commitment to preventing disease and improving overall health, making him a leading expert in his field.

What Cutting-Edge Screening Techniques Does Dr. Bereliani Utilize?

Dr. Bereliani employs some of the most advanced screening techniques available to assess cardiovascular risk and overall health, reflecting his commitment to cutting-edge medicine. One of these leading-edge screenings is the Maxpulse Device Testing. This non-invasive, FDA-approved test involves a finger clip device that measures arterial elasticity and stiffness by tracking the blood's pulse wave as it travels from the heart through the arteries to the finger. Arterial stiffness is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and this technology provides crucial data for early intervention.

Another sophisticated tool used by Dr. Bereliani is APOE Genetic Testing. This blood test identifies specific genes that may elevate an individual's risk for both heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. By understanding these genetic predispositions, Dr. Bereliani can tailor preventive strategies more effectively to mitigate these risks. Dr. Bereliani incorporates cholesterol particle measurement in his screenings. This advanced blood test not only assesses the quantity of LDL cholesterol but also evaluates the size of cholesterol particles. Research indicates that smaller, denser LDL particles are up to 40% more likely to become oxidized and contribute to the formation of clots, making this test invaluable for identifying and managing cardiovascular risks.

These screenings represent just a few examples of how Dr. Bereliani integrates state-of-the-art technology with his extensive expertise in cardiology and preventive medicine. By utilizing such advanced methods, he ensures that his patients in Los Angeles and beyond receive the most precise and effective care possible. This approach is part of his broader commitment to enhancing patient health through early detection and personalized treatment strategies.

What are some of the tools used in Dr. Bereliani’s individualized prevention plans?

Dr. Bereliani's approach to individualized prevention plans reflects a deep commitment to enhancing patient health through a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary strategy. Each plan is meticulously crafted based on a thorough understanding of both physical and emotional health, drawing from Dr. Bereliani's extensive experience as a physician in Los Angeles. His approach integrates the latest advancements in cardiology and preventive medicine with insights from a network of highly specialized professionals. This team includes a certified dietician, who offers expert guidance on nutrition and its impact on cardiovascular health, as well as a fitness trainer to develop tailored exercise programs aimed at improving overall well-being.

Additionally, Dr. Bereliani collaborates with a psychotherapist to address mental health concerns, which can significantly affect physical health and disease risk. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a patient's lifestyle is considered in their prevention plan. For patients requiring additional support, the Beverly Hills Institute for Cardiology & Preventive Medicine offers specialized interventions, including medical-grade nutritional supplements and personalized strategies to quit smoking. These resources are designed to tackle various health challenges, from managing risk factors for coronary artery disease to enhancing overall heart health. The use of advanced tools and techniques is central to Dr. Bereliani’s practice. The incorporation of cutting-edge technology allows for precise screening and monitoring, ensuring that prevention strategies are based on the most accurate data available. This includes detailed assessments of cardiovascular risk and personalized treatment plans that reflect each patient’s unique health profile. Dr. Bereliani’s integration of these sophisticated tools with traditional preventive measures exemplifies his dedication to providing top-tier care.

At the Beverly Hills Institute for Cardiology & Preventive Medicine, patients benefit from a seamless blend of expertise and innovation. Dr. Bereliani’s approach is not only about managing current health issues but also about proactively addressing potential risks through tailored prevention plans. This commitment to comprehensive care and preventive strategies underscores his role as a leading cardiologist in Los Angeles and reinforces the institute’s reputation as a premier destination for advanced cardiac care and preventive medicine.

What are some common misconceptions about heart disease?

One prevalent misconception about heart disease is the belief that passing a cholesterol test or a standard EKG-treadmill test, often referred to as a "stress test," means you are not at risk for a heart attack. This notion is misleading and can provide a false sense of security. A comprehensive national study conducted by UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine revealed a startling fact: 75% of patients who were hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels that, according to national guidelines, indicated they were not at high risk for a cardiovascular event. This finding underscores a significant gap in how heart disease risk is assessed.

Another critical issue is the limitation of traditional stress tests. An EKG treadmill test is designed to detect significant artery blockages, but it only identifies blockages greater than 70% and has a sensitivity of approximately 60 to 70%. This means that many patients experiencing myocardial infarctions have smaller blockages, which are substantial risk factors for vascular disease but might not be detected by these standard tests. Despite this, cholesterol panels and stress tests remain widely used diagnostic tools, leaving a gap in the comprehensive assessment of heart disease risk.

Dr. Bereliani, a leading cardiologist in Los Angeles, addresses these limitations by incorporating more advanced cholesterol testing into his preventive care practices. This includes evaluating various cholesterol types and subtypes, which provides a more detailed picture of cardiovascular risk. Additionally, Dr. Bereliani utilizes cutting-edge technology and advanced diagnostic tools, such as cardiac imaging and genetic testing, that go beyond traditional methods to assess heart health comprehensively. These tools help in identifying risk factors that are not always visible through standard tests. Recent research has also highlighted a shift in understanding the underlying causes of coronary artery disease. Emerging studies suggest that insulin resistance, rather than diabetes alone, may play a crucial role in the development of coronary artery disease. This evolving perspective emphasizes the need to consider a broader range of factors, including hypertension, inflammation, and environmental health, in assessing cardiovascular health. Dr. Bereliani's approach reflects this new understanding, incorporating insights from internal medicine and endocrinology to provide a more holi