About Dr. Raj Makkar,
Interventional Cardiologist

"I was having my regular check up when my doctor heard a heart murmur. The next doctor I saw heard it too and had his own echo machine. Just having completed a 30-mile bike ride, my doctor said, “don’t do any more until you have your heart valve fixed.”

Then he referred me to Dr. Raj Makkar at Cedars because he’s “the best in the world.” Dr. Makkar is renowned as an innovator of minimally invasive heart valve surgery. Simply put – he could slide a new valve into place by running a catheter up through my leg. Consulting with Dr. Makkar was great. He answered all my questions.

I do stunts in movies and television. You may have seen my work in the Matrix and Avengers movies, and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” But I didn’t want to take any chances here.

I was so relieved when I was approved for Dr. Makkar’s procedure. Knowing I wouldn’t have my chest opened, I didn’t lose any sleep before the procedure. I did have to sign a consent for open surgery in case there was a problem. When I woke up afterwards, the first thing I did was run my hand over my chest to feel if I had an incision and I knew that Dr. Makkar’s procedure had been a success.

All I had to do was to stay overnight before I went home the next day. I felt nothing except for some tenderness where the catheter entered my groin, but that healed up within a few weeks. Then, I was back to all my regular activities, including movie stunts. I couldn’t be happier with my entire experience.

Not only is Dr. Makkar great, but his NP, Izabela Harutyunyan, is amazing. Izabela is extremely knowledgeable, answered all my questions, and asked really good questions to understand me as a patient. The entire staff at Cedars is great.

Recently, I did a conference call with Dr. Makkar and other doctors to share my experience. And in sharing my experience here, I can say that I’m back to all my regular activities and would 100% do this again with Dr. Makkar and his team. Having my heart valve replaced while hardly feeling a thing is incredible. Now I know why the doctor that referred me to him said that Dr. Makkar’s the best in the world!"

-- Jimmy Hart, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/11/2023

"Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR). Dr. Makkar gave me great confidence and while it's only been weeks since the procedure, I feel confident and getting stronger."

-- Dana Torrey, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/07/2023

"Serving as an emergency search and rescue team member has always required me to rappel down out of helicopters to rescue hikers and accident victims. Bringing people out of the wilderness on ten-mile hikes with 2,000 feet of elevation gain is expected. I worked both the Palisades and Eaton Fires, as well as many of the major fires over the past 30 years.

So, a healthy heart is essential. Yet, my sister and I were both born with bicuspid aortic valves. So, in 2005, when I first had symptoms, I had fully open surgery with Dr. Sharo Raissi at Cedars-Sinai with the instructions that I needed to anticipate another valve surgery within fifteen years. When, in 2018, the symptoms did return, it “was time.” Heart surgery had changed since 2005.

Thirteen years later, aortic valves could be replaced with a catheter inserted through the groin without cutting the chest open. Raj Makkar, my interventional cardiologist, did a fabulous job. He also gave me three stents when I had a heart attack years ago. This time, I was only in overnight. Recovery was fast. And the nursing was great. Dr. Makkar was very friendly and accessible and answered all my questions. I like Cedars because everyone is pleasant and available.

I’ve learned that from seven heart surgeries over the decades. Cedars is ranked #2 in the nation for a reason. But mostly, I’ve worked with Dr. Makkar’s NP, Jasminka Stegic. Whenever I need a prescription or appointment, I call Jasminka, and it’s done — often within minutes. Jaminka is positivity personified. She’s a beam of light brightening a stressful situation.

It’s now been eight years, and since heart valves need to be replaced about every fifteen years, I anticipate surgery again within seven years. When I do, I’ll head straight back to Dr. Makkar and Jasminka. My new valve is smaller because it fits inside the old valve. For this reason, I no longer run. I’ve also retired as a high school teacher and track coach. But I intend to continue working as a reserve deputy search and rescue and for as long as I can.

Dr. Makkar saved my life and from that, I’ve been able to save many other lives. I’ve been able to live the life I’ve wanted to live. A doctor’s care can bring no greater fulfillment."

-- John Johnston, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/30/2018