Ajay Pillai, MD

Biography

A partnership to get your heart back to rhythm”

Cardiac electrophysiology (EP) is a highly complex and interdisciplinary field, in which doctors work to accurately diagnose and treat irregularities in the heart’s electrical systems and rhythm generation. Any successful treatment requires a trusting partnership between the patient and a physician specialist with advanced cardiovascular disease training in electrophysiology.

Ajay Pillai, M.D. is that specialist. As an electrophysiologist, he diagnoses irregular heartbeats in the heart’s electrical conduction system, then treats rhythm abnormalities with a variety of techniques.

“While I’ve had extensive training and am very confident in my and my team’s abilities, success comes through a constant attention to detail, a meticulous focus on safety during procedures, and a personalized approach to the patient in front of you,” says Dr. Pillai. “VCU Health fosters a strong environment of collaboration and safety with a focus on each person who trusts us with their care. We take great care in every aspect of clinical medicine.”

Prior to joining VCU Health as a cardiac electrophysiologist in August 2023, Dr. Pillai spent five years at VCU’s academic health system where he completed fellowships in EP and cardiovascular disease. During his training, he was recognized by VCU Department of Medicine and the Division of Cardiology with both research and teaching awards.

Dr. Pillai treats atrial fibrillation and flutters, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT, or fast abnormal rhythm in the heart’s upper chambers) and ventricular tachycardia (VT, or abnormal beating in the lower chambers) with medications or procedures such as ablation. He also performs pacemaker and defibrillator implantation and extraction, and surgical implantation of left-atrial appendage occlusion devices (known as the WATCHMAN).

While patient care is his primary focus, Dr. Pillai also takes advantage of VCU’s status as an academic medical campus and conducts research to uncover new therapies, diagnoses, and treatment strategies for patients around the world. Dr. Pillai has published in peer-reviewed journals such as Heart Rhythm, Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, and Circulation, among other specialty magazines.

While heart rhythm issues can be debilitating and potentially life-threatening if left untreated, Dr. Pillai believes VCU to be among the best places in the world for therapy as it consistently ranks among the top medical centers in the nation for cardiac care.

“Electrophysiology is a challenging field but there is nothing more rewarding than improving a patient’s life,” Dr. Pillai says. “To be able to come into a person’s life at that critical juncture and make a real difference for them? I can think of nothing better to dedicate my life towards.”

Advice to patients: “Focus on the parts of your care that are within your control, like diet, exercise and taking prescribed medication. Research your condition and bring what you have found to your doctor to discuss. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Medicine is a partnership, and while we cannot always choose what happens to us in life, we can tackle it together.”