Department of Internal Medicine

Cardiovascular Medicine Faculty

Brian Olshansky photo

Medical School:
University of Arizona

Residency:
Bellevue and New York
University Hospitals

Fellowship:
The University of Iowa

Brian Olshansky, M.D.
Professor

Brian Olshansky, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHRS, board certified clinical cardiac electrophysiologist, is a tenured Professor of Medicine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and has been on staff since 2000. 

Dr. Olshansky was graduated with distinction from Carleton College with a major in Chemistry in Northfield, Minnesota, and completed his MD at the University of Arizona.  Following that, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine at Bellevue/NYU Hospitals, Cardiology Fellowship training at the University of Iowa, Electrophysiology Fellowship training at the University of Alabama, Birmingham and then remained a staff member at the University of Alabama.  From there, he has had faculty positions at Case Western Reserve University and Loyola University before returning to the University of Iowa in Iowa City.  He has directed Electrophysiology Laboratories and Training Programs at Loyola University Medical Center and University of Iowa Hospitals.

Dr. Olshansky has expertise in the evaluation and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias using state of the art techniques including: device implantation (pacemakers and implanted defibrillators), catheter ablation techniques, including for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.  He has specific expertise in issues regarding autonomic effects on the heart.  He is recognized for his work regarding the assessment of arrhythmia mechanisms, multicenter randomized clinical trials, and treatment of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and evaluation of syncope.  He is known for his diversity of interests ranging from technological and mechanistic aspects of cardiac electrophysiology to holistic issues regarding medical care and the doctor-patient relationship.  He has taught ethics to medical students, and has been listed as one in Best Doctors in America for many years and has been the awardee of the Lewis E. January Teaching Award at twice.  He has worked with the top national and international cardiac arrhythmia and cardiology organization on an executive or administrative level.  He has lectured nationally and internationally on numerous topics related to cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, dysautonomic conditions and arrhythmias- related symptoms. 

Dr. Olshansky’s research has focused on the treatment for and mechanism of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.  He has been involved in numerous clinical trials, and has published over 170 peer-reviewed manuscripts (a total of over 400 total publications, including non-peer-reviewed manuscripts, reviews, e-publications, slide series and editorials), over 210 abstracts, over 40 chapters and three books: Syncope-Mechanisms and Management (and a second edition) and Arrhythmia Essentials.  He is, or has been, a member of over 20 editorial boards, reviewed regularly for three NIH study sections for over 10 years, reviews for over 65 medical journals (an Elite Reviewer for the Journal of the American College of Cardiology) and has been on several event committees.  He has been a guest editor and managing editor of several journals.  He is an editor of The Examined Life – A Literary Journal of University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.  He is a speaker with diverse and extensive experience.  He has been the Principal Investigator and originator of a national multicenter clinical ICD Trial (INTRINSIC RV) and is now national principal investigator of the RESTORE AV Trial.  He has been involved with data analyses multiple national multicenter clinical trials.  He is or has been a member of several Data Safety Monitoring Boards and Events Review Committees for multicenter controlled clinical trials. 

Honors, Awards, and Organizations

Recent Publications

  1. Arrhythmia Rate Distribution and Tachyarrhythmia Therapy in an ICD Population - Results from the INTRINSIC RV Trial. Sullivan RM, Russo AM, Berg KC, Stolen KQ, Seth M, Perschbacher D, Day J, Olshansky B. Heart Rhythm. 2011 Oct 17. [Epub ahead of print]
  2. Does cardiac resynchronization therapy provide unrecognized benefit in patients with prolonged PR intervals? The impact of restoring atrioventricular synchrony: An analysis from the COMPANION Trial. Olshansky B, Day JD, Sullivan RM, Yong P, Galle E, Steinberg JS. Heart Rhythm. 2011 Aug 9. [Epub ahead of print]
  3. Cardiac effects of muscarinic receptor antagonists used for voiding dysfunction. Andersson KE, Campeau L, Olshansky B. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;72(2):186-96.
  4. ACP journal club. Prescription omega-3 fatty acids did not prevent recurrent, symptomatic, paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Olshansky B. Ann Intern Med. 2011 May 17;154(10):JC5-09.
  5. Electrocardiographic imaging: back to the drawing board? Olshansky B. Heart Rhythm. 2011 May;8(5):700-1; discussion 702-3. Epub 2011 Jan 26.
  6. The editor's roundtable: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in primary prevention of sudden cardiac death and disparity-related barriers to implementation. Friedewald VE, Fonarow GC, Olshansky B, Yancy CW, Roberts WC. Am J Cardiol. 2011 Feb 15;107(4):583-90.
  7. OptiVol fluid index: does an association with ventricular arrhythmias hold water? Sullivan RM, Olshansky B. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2011 Mar;22(3):300-1. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2010.01947.x. Epub 2010 Nov 23.
  8. Older persons with diabetes receive fewer inappropriate ICD shocks: results from the INTRINSIC RV trial. Sandesara CM, Sullivan RM, Russo AM, Li W, Kendig A, Day JD, Mullin C, Stolen K, Olshansky B. J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2011 Feb;4(1):27-34. Epub 2010 Nov 18.
  9. Dronedarone: evidence supporting its therapeutic use in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Sullivan RM, Olshansky B. Core Evid. 2010 Oct 21;5:49-59.
  10. Carotid sinus hypersensitivity: disease state or clinical sign of ageing? The need for hard endpoints. Sullivan RM, Olshansky B. Europace. 2010 Nov;12(11):1516-7.
  11. In permanent atrial fibrillation, lenient rate control is not inferior to strict rate control for preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Olshansky B, Sullivan RM. Evid Based Med. 2010 Oct;15(5):147-8. Epub 2010 Jul 30.
  12. Inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in heart failure and potential modulation by vagus nerve stimulation. Li W, Olshansky B. Heart Fail Rev. 2011 Mar;16(2):137-45. Review.
  13. Sports and arrhythmias: a report of the International Workshop Venice Arrhythmias 2009. Giada F, Biffi A, Cannom DS, Cappato R, Capucci A, Corrado D, Delise P, Drezner JA, El-Sherif N, Estes M 3rd, Furlanello F, Heidbuchel H, Inama G, Lindsay BD, Maron BJ, Maron MS, Mont L, Olshansky B, Pelliccia A, Thiene G, Viskin S, Zeppilli P, Natale A, Raviele A. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2010 Oct;17(5):607-12.
  14. Delayed maximal response to left cardiac sympathectomy for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Gopinathannair R, Olshansky B, Iannettoni M, Mazur A. Europace. 2010 Jul;12(7):1035-9. Epub 2010 Mar 10.
  15. The year in arrhythmias-2009 part II. Olshansky B, Delmar M, Tomaselli GF. Heart Rhythm. 2010 Apr;7(4):538-48. Epub 2010 Jan 6. Review.
  16. The year in arrhythmias--2009: part I. Olshansky B, Delmar M, Tomaselli GF. Heart Rhythm. 2010 Mar;7(3):417-26. Epub 2009 Dec 24. Review. No abstract available.
  17. Tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy: recognition and management. Gopinathannair R, Sullivan R, Olshansky B. Curr Heart Fail Rep. 2009 Dec;6(4):257-64. Review.
  18. Heart rate predicts outcomes in an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator population. Ahmadi-Kashani M, Kessler DJ, Day J, Bunch TJ, Stolen KQ, Brown S, Sbaity S, Olshansky B; INTRINSIC RV Study Investigators. Circulation. 2009 Nov 24;120(21):2040-5. Epub 2009 Nov 9.
  19. Treatment of PVCs post-myocardial infarction: Will we get fooled again? Sullivan RM, Olshansky B. Heart Rhythm. 2009 Nov;6(11):1550-1. Epub 2009 Aug 22.
  20. Slower heart rates for healthy hearts: time to redefine tachycardia? Gopinathannair R, Sullivan RM, Olshansky B. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2008 Dec;1(5):321-3.
  21. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope (version 2009). Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Syncope; European Society of Cardiology (ESC); European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA); Heart Failure Association (HFA); Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Moya A, Sutton R, Ammirati F, Blanc JJ, Brignole M, Dahm JB, Deharo JC, Gajek J, Gjesdal K, Krahn A, Massin M, Pepi M, Pezawas T, Ruiz Granell R, Sarasin F, Ungar A, van Dijk JG, Walma EP, Wieling W. Eur Heart J. 2009 Nov;30(21):2631-71. Epub 2009 Aug 27.
  22. Update on medical management of atrial fibrillation in the modern era. Gopinathannair R, Sullivan RM, Olshansky B. Heart Rhythm. 2009 Aug;6(8 Suppl):S17-22. Epub 2009 Feb 12. Review.
  23. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators: do women fare worse than men? Gender comparison in the INTRINSIC RV trial. Russo AM, Day JD, Stolen K, Mullin CM, Doraiswamy V, Lerew DL, Olshansky B. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2009 Sep;20(9):973-8. Epub 2009 May 12.
  24. DAVID II did not slay Goliath. Olshansky B, Gopinathannair R, Sullivan RM. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2009 Mar 10;53(10):881-3.
  25. Newly detected atrial fibrillation in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is a strong risk marker of increased mortality. Bunch TJ, Day JD, Olshansky B, Stolen KQ, Mullin CM; INTRINSIC RV Study Investigators. Heart Rhythm. 2009 Jan;6(1):2-8. Epub 2008 Sep 27.
  26. Bolus isoproterenol infusions provide a reliable method for assessing interoceptive awareness. Khalsa SS, Rudrauf D, Sandesara C, Olshansky B, Tranel D. Int J Psychophysiol. 2009 Apr;72(1):34-45. Epub 2008 Sep 27.
  27. Parasympathetic nervous system and heart failure: pathophysiology and potential implications for therapy. Olshansky B, Sabbah HN, Hauptman PJ, Colucci WS. Circulation. 2008 Aug 19;118(8):863-71. Review.
  28. What's So Inappropriate About Sinus Tachycardia? Olshansky B. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2008 Sep;19(9):977-8. Epub 2008 May 2.
  29. If you meet the Buddha on the road ... Olshansky B. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2007 Nov;30(11):1398-400.
  30. A practical guide for clinicians who treat patients with amiodarone: 2007. Goldschlager N, Epstein AE, Naccarelli GV, Olshansky B, Singh B, Collard HR, Murphy E; Practice Guidelines Sub-committee, North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (HRS). Heart Rhythm. 2007 Sep;4(9):1250-9. Epub 2007 Jul 20. Erratum in: Heart Rhythm. 2007 Dec;4(12):1590.
  31. Placebo and nocebo in cardiovascular health: implications for healthcare, research, and the doctor-patient relationship. Olshansky B. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007 Jan 30;49(4):415-21. Epub 2007 Jan 16. Review.
  32. Safety of sports participation in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a survey of heart rhythm society members. Lampert R, Cannom D, Olshansky B. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2006 Jan;17(1):11-5.
  33. Fast-track training of nonelectrophysiologists to implant defibrillators: is it needed? Olshansky B, Kowey PR, Naccarelli GV. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2006 Jun;29(6):627-31.
  34. Arrhythmias in tako-tsubo syndrome--benign or malignant? Konety SH, Horwitz P, Lindower P, Olshansky B. Int J Cardiol. 2007 Jan 2;114(1):141-4. Epub 2006 Jan 4.
  35. Interrelationships between the autonomic nervous system and atrial fibrillation. Olshansky B. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2005 Jul-Aug;48(1):57-78. Review.
  36. Acute anticoagulation adjustment in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk for stroke: approaches, strategies, risks and benefits. Olshansky B, Guo H. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2005 Jul;3(4):571-90. Review.
  37. Integrating complementary medicine into cardiovascular medicine. A report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Clinical Expert Consensus Documents (Writing Committee to Develop an Expert Consensus Document on Complementary and Integrative Medicine). Vogel JH, Bolling SF, Costello RB, Guarneri EM, Krucoff MW, Longhurst JC, Olshansky B, Pelletier KR, Tracy CM, Vogel RA, Vogel RA, Abrams J, Anderson JL, Bates ER, Brodie BR, Grines CL, Danias PG, Gregoratos G, Hlatky MA, Hochman JS, Kaul S, Lichtenberg RC, Lindner JR, O'Rourke RA, Pohost GM, Schofield RS, Shubrooks SJ, Tracy CM, Winters WL Jr; American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Clinical Expert Consensus Documents (Writing Committee to Develop an Expert Consensus Document on Complementary and Integrative Medicine). J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005 Jul 5;46(1):184-221.
  38. Eliminating right ventricular pacing may not be best for patients requiring implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Olshansky B, Day JD, Lerew DR, Brown S, Stolen KQ; INTRINSIC RV Study Investigators. Heart Rhythm. 2007 Jul;4(7):886-91. Epub 2007 Apr 6.
  39. Where patients with mild to moderate heart failure die: results from the Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT). Olshansky B, Wood F, Hellkamp AS, Poole JE, Anderson J, Johnson GW, Boineau R, Domanski MJ, Mark DB, Lee KL, Bardy GH; SCD-HeFT Investigators. Am Heart J. 2007 Jun;153(6):1089-94.
  40. Is dual-chamber programming inferior to single-chamber programming in an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator? Results of the INTRINSIC RV (Inhibition of Unnecessary RV Pacing With AVSH in ICDs) study. Olshansky B, Day JD, Moore S, Gering L, Rosenbaum M, McGuire M, Brown S, Lerew DR. Circulation. 2007 Jan 2;115(1):9-16. Epub 2006 Dec 18.

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