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    Last Updated: 01/09/2026

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    MediFind found 295 doctor with experience in Heart Failure near Columbia, MD. Of these, 256 are Experienced, 30 are Advanced, 6 are Distinguished and 2 are Elite.

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    LocationClose
    295 providers found
      Chiadi Ndumele
      Elite in Heart Failure
      Elite in Heart Failure

      Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center

      601 North Caroline Street, Suite 7200, Suite 7200, 
      Baltimore, MD 
       (14.6 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Dr. Chiadi Ndumele is the Director of Obesity and Cardiometabolic Research, Director of the Heart Failure Prevention Program and Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology in the Division of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Ndumele is a preventive cardiologist with doctorate level training in epidemiology, who leads a research program related to characterizing the relationship of obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors with the development of cardiovascular disease, with a particular focus on heart failure risk, and to refining strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention. His work additionally addresses the impact of social determinants of health on cardiometabolic risk factors and downstream cardiovascular outcomes. Dr. Ndumele received his M.D. from Harvard University and his Internal Medicine training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he also served as Chief Medical Resident. He subsequently trained in Cardiology at Johns Hopkins University, where he was also Chief Cardiology Fellow in his final year and where he also received his MHS and PhD in Epidemiology. Dr. Ndumele’s research has been supported by multiple grants from the NIH, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Heart Association (AHA). He is Chair of the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health of the AHA, Past Chair of the AHA Obesity Committee, and Co-Chair of the AHA Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative. Dr. Ndumele is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Atherosclerosis, Heart Failure, Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), and Metabolic Syndrome.

      Nisha A. Gilotra
      Elite in Heart Failure
      Elite in Heart Failure

      Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center

      601 North Caroline Street, Suite 7200, Suite 7200, 
      Baltimore, MD 
       (14.6 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Hindi

      Dr. Nisha A. Gilotra is a cardiologist in the Johns Hopkins Medicine Division of Cardiology with expertise in advanced heart failure, including the care of heart transplant and ventricular assist device patients. Dr. Gilotra specializes in inflammatory cardiomyopathies, including sarcoidosis, myocarditis and inherited causes of cardiomyopathy. Dr. Gilotra received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her medical residency, general cardiology fellowship and advanced heart failure fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Between fellowships, she served as an Assistant Chief of Service for the Department of Medicine. Dr. Gilotra is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Sarcoidosis, Myocarditis, Cardiomyopathy, Heart Transplant, and Endoscopy.

      Jasmin Sahbaz
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Howard County Medical Pavilion

      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian

      Dr. Jasmin Sahbaz joined Cardiovascular Specialists in July 2021 following completion of his cardiology fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, where his training included nuclear cardiology, echocardiogaphy and vascular ultrasound. He was the chief fellow during his last year of training. He completed his medical school training at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York and a residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Originally from Bosnia, and then the Ithaca, New York area, Dr. Sahbaz graduated from Cornell University. He resides in Howard County with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he is an avid cyclist and triathlete. Dr. Sahbaz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, and Angina.

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      Rohan J. Kalathiya
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Johns Hopkins Endoscopy & Surgery Center - Columbia

      5450 Knoll North Drive, Suite 300, Suite 300, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.8 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Gujarati , Hindi

      Dr. Kalathiya received his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Kentucky before joining the Osler Medical Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Subsequently, Dr. Kalathiya completed his Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology fellowships at the University of Chicago. Dr. Kalathiya is an interventional cardiologist with expertise in complex coronary interventions, structural interventions, peripheral interventions for claudication and critical limb ischemia, interventional pulmonary embolism therapies, and mechanical circulatory support to treat cardiogenic shock. Dr. Kalathiya is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Heart Attack, Angina, Heart Failure, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), and Aortic Valve Replacement.

      Sunil K. Sinha
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Cardiac Electrophysiology | Cardiology
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Cardiac Electrophysiology | Cardiology

      Johns Hopkins Endoscopy & Surgery Center - Columbia

      Columbia, MD 
       (1.8 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      "Dr. Sunil Kumar Sinha is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is the medical director of the Arrhythmia Service at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Dr. Sinha is also an attending physician at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center. He is currently engaged in research on atrial fibrillation and catheter ablation, defibrillator and pacemaker therapy, and humanitarian device re-use. Dr. Sinha received his undergraduate degree and medical degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. He completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. He returned to the University of Manitoba for his cardiology fellowship. Subsequently, Dr. Sinha completed his clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York, New York) prior to joining the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2005. Besides his teaching and clinical engagements, Dr. Sinha is on the editorial board for Heart Rhythm, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society and the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and was recognized with the HRS “Remarkable Reviewer” distinction from 2006 - 2015 and ""Remarkable Editor"" distinction from 2016 - 2017. He is also a reviewer for PACE, and Circulation: Arrhythmias & Electrophysiology.". Dr. Sinha is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Fibrillation, Arrhythmias, Heart Attack, Cardiac Ablation, and Pacemaker Implantation.

      David S. Jackson
      Advanced in Heart Failure
      Advanced in Heart Failure

      Maryland Primary Care Phys

      11055 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 205, Suite 205, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      David Jackson is a Cardiologist in Columbia, Maryland. Dr. Jackson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Arrhythmias, Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Tachycardia, and Familial Ventricular Tachycardia.

      Jose Madrazo
      Advanced in Heart Failure
      Cardiology
      Advanced in Heart Failure
      Cardiology

      Johns Hopkins Endoscopy & Surgery Center - Columbia

      5450 Knoll North Drive, Suite 300, Suite 300, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.8 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Spanish
      Offers Telehealth

      Dr. Jose Madrazo is a general cardiologist in the Johns Hopkins Division of Medicine, and an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and completed his residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Dr. Madrazo pursued a cardiovascular fellowship with a focus on echocardiography at the Washington University School of Medicine before joining the Hopkins faculty. Dr. Madrazo is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Cardiomyopathy, Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and Heart Attack.

      Calin Maniu
      Advanced in Heart Failure
      Interventional Cardiology | Cardiology
      Advanced in Heart Failure
      Interventional Cardiology | Cardiology

      Johns Hopkins Endoscopy & Surgery Center - Columbia

      5450 Knoll North Drive, Suite 300, Suite 300, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.8 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, German, Romanian

      Dr. Maniu joins the interventional section as an interventional cardiologist with over two decades of experience in academic, hospital, and community settings. He earned his medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine, as well as fellowships in Cardiovascular Diseases and Interventional Cardiology, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and Rochester. Clinically, Dr. Maniu sees outpatients at the Cardiology Clinic in Columbia, and he will cover the interventional lab at Howard County Medical Center. Also, he interprets outpatient echos, primarily at our Columbia Clinic office. Dr. Maniu is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Heart Attack, Apoplexy, Arterial Embolism, Pulmonary Edema, and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).

      Stephen Gottlieb
      Distinguished in Heart Failure
      Distinguished in Heart Failure

      Office

      419 W Redwood St Ste 520, 
      Baltimore,, MD 
       (14.2 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Stephen Gottlieb is a Cardiologist in Baltimore,, Maryland. Dr. Gottlieb is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Apoplexy, Aortic Valve Replacement, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

      Andrew J. Weiss
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Howard County Medical Pavilion

      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Dr. Andrew Weiss joined Cardiovascular Specialists in July 2016 following completion of his cardiology fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, where his training included nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and vascular ultrasound. He completed his medical school training at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and residency at the Hospital of the University in Pennsylvania, also in Philadelphia. Originally from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area, Dr. Weiss and his wife and two daughters reside in Howard County. Dr. Weiss is a member of the Active physician admitting staff at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center. He serves as a member of the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Videos 2018 Best Consulting Physician—Andrew Weiss, M.D., Howard County General Hospital. Dr. Weiss is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Arrhythmias, High Cholesterol, Atherosclerosis, and Atrial Fibrillation.

      Daniel A. Kim
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Hospital Medicine | Cardiology
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Hospital Medicine | Cardiology

      Howard County Medical Pavilion

      10710 Charter Drive, Suite 400, Suite 400, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Korean
      Offers Telehealth

      Dr. Daniel Kim joined Cardiovascular Specialists in 2018 following completion of his cardiology fellowship at the University of Maryland. As a non-invasive cardiologist, he is trained in echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, nuclear medicine, and vascular ultrasound. He and his wife, who is a pediatric pulmonologist specializing in sleep, have two children and reside in Howard County. Dr. Kim is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Fibrillation, Familial Ventricular Tachycardia, Atherosclerosis, and Coronary Heart Disease.

      Eric A. Schwartz
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Howard County Medical Pavilion

      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Dr. Eric Schwartz joined Cardiovascular Specialists in July 2012. In addition to training in nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular ultrasound, Dr. Schwartz is trained in the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators. A Howard County native, Dr. Schwartz and his wife have two sons. In his spare time, he is an avid Peloton cyclist and enjoys strength training. A member of the Active physician admitting staff at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, he currently serves as the Chairman, Department of Medicine, Chair of the Medical Staff Credentials Committee, Co-Chair of the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center STEMI Committee, and Medical Director of the Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Lab. Dr. Shwartz is a member of the Electrophysiology Clinical Community of the JHHS. He is a past recipient of the HCGH Physician of the Year award, and two-time winner of the Johns Hopkins Innovations in Clinical Care Excellence Award. Videos Implantable Heart Monitor - Loop Recorder (Q&A) Implantable Devices for People with Heart Conditions (Q&A) 2018 Physician of the Year. Dr. Schwartz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Arrhythmias, Familial Ventricular Tachycardia, Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Tachycardia, and Pacemaker Implantation.

      Michael E. Silverman
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Howard County Medical Pavilion

      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Currently the practice's Managing Physician, Dr. Michael Silverman joined Cardiovascular Specialists in 1994 after completing a cardiology fellowship at Temple University in Philadelphia. He has special interests in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Silverman also has a strong interest in cardiovascular disease in athletes, especially those who participate in endurance sports. Under his direction, our echocardiography program achieved accreditation by IAC, the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. He is presently Medical Director of the practice's nuclear cardiology department, which is also accredited by IAC. A member of the Active physician admitting staff at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, he is past president of the HCGH Professional Staff and past Chairman of the Department of Medicine at HCGH. His community involvement includes past membership on the Board of Directors of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and the Columbia Association Medical Advisory Board. Currently, he is a member of the American College of Cardiology Maryland Chapter Board of Governors. Dr. Silverman is an instructor in Medicine-Cardiology at Johns Hopkins Medicine. A Baltimore native, he went to Duke University and now resides in Ellicott City with his wife. He has two daughters and two grandsons. Dr. Silverman's personal interests include cycling and triathlons. He has completed three Ironman triathlons (including KONA) and numerous other athletic endurance events. Videos Heart Attack Symptoms and Prevention (Q&A) The Importance of Calling 9-1-1 for Heart Attack Symptoms. Dr. Silverman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Mitral Valve Regurgitation, High Cholesterol, Atherosclerosis, and Coronary Heart Disease.

      Keith Friedman
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Howard County Medical Pavilion

      10710 Charter Drive, Suite 400, Suite 400, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      Dr. Keith Friedman joined the practice in 2003 following the completion of his Cardiology fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dr. Friedman is also trained in nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. Born and raised in Baltimore, Dr. Friedman and his wife, who reside in Pikesville, have two sons and a daughter. A member of the Active physician admitting staff at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, he currently serves as Section Chief of Cardiology and as Medical Director of the Cardiac Telemetry Unit. Dr. Friedman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation, High Cholesterol, and Cardiomyopathy.

      Alexander M. Chudnovsky
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Howard County Medical Pavilion

      10710 Charter Drive, Suite 400, Suite 400, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Russian
      Offers Telehealth

      Dr. Alexander Chudnovsky joined Cardiovascular Specialists in 2004 following the completion of his Cardiology fellowship at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He is trained in nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and transesophageal echo. He is currently the director of echocardiography for the practice. He and his wife, who is a radiologist, have two children and reside in Howard County. A member of the Active physician admitting staff at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, he currently serves Medical Director of Echocardiography and as Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Videos Diagnostic Testing for Heart Disease (Q&A). Dr. Chudnovsky is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Fibrillation, Atherosclerosis, Coronary Heart Disease, and Mitral Valve Regurgitation.

      Adrian L. Preston
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Howard County Medical Pavilion

      Columbia, MD 
       (1.0 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Vietnamese
      Offers Telehealth

      Dr. Adrian Le Preston, who joined Cardiovascular Specialists in May 2005, is a clinical cardiologist who specializes in consultative cardiology, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. She is a member of the Active physician admitting staff at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center. She also has special interests in women's preventive health. Dr. Preston has office hours four days a week at Cardiovascular Specialists, and spends the rest of her time reading, exercising, walking her dog, cooking and mentoring medical students. She lives with her husband and two grown children. Videos Your Heart Health - Changes Every One of Us Can Make Today (Q&A) Heart Attack Symptoms for Women versus Men. Dr. Preston is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Hypertensive Heart Disease, Pediatric Myocarditis, Necrosis, and Atherosclerosis.

      Office

      10792 Hickory Ridge Rd, 
      Columbia,, MD 
       (1.4 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Imtiaz Chowdhry is a Cardiologist in Columbia,, Maryland. Dr. Chowdhry is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Sitosterolemia, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

      Jennifer E. Brady
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Experienced in Heart Failure

      Johns Hopkins Endoscopy & Surgery Center - Columbia

      5450 Knoll North Drive, Suite 300, Suite 300, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.8 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Jennifer Brady is a Cardiologist in Columbia, Maryland. Dr. Brady is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Fainting, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Familial Ventricular Tachycardia, and Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST).

      Lili Barouch
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Cardiology
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Cardiology

      Johns Hopkins Endoscopy & Surgery Center - Columbia

      5450 Knoll North Drive, Suite 300, Suite 300, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.8 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      Dr. Barouch is Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and a member of the Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation group at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Barouch received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1992 and her medical degree from Johns Hopkins in 1996. She continued at Johns Hopkins for residency training in Internal Medicine, completed in 1999, and fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease and Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant, completed in 2003. She has expertise in the outpatient management of advanced heart failure and many types of cardiomyopathies. Dr. Barouch also has a longstanding interest in women’s cardiovascular health – particularly in how some cardiac conditions affect women differently or present with distinctive symptoms. She is the Medical Director of the Columbia Heart Failure Clinic, in partnership with Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, and the Howard County Director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Center. She is also the Director of the Sports Cardiology Program, which offers expert cardiac care specifically geared towards athletes of all abilities. Dr. Barouch believes that educating people about heart disease, medications and lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits and regular exercise, is critically important in helping her patients understand how to achieve and maintain wellness and feel in control of their cardiovascular health. She is an avid runner and triathlete herself, competing in several triathlons and other races per year, as well as the occasional marathon. Dr. Barouch is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Cardiomyopathy, Cardiac Amyloidosis, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, and Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis.

      Shakunmala Gupta
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Hospital Medicine
      Experienced in Heart Failure
      Hospital Medicine

      Shakunmala Gupta

      9650 Santiago Road, Suite 6, Suite 6, 
      Columbia, MD 
       (1.8 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Hindi

      Shakunmala Gupta is a primary care provider, practicing in Hospital Medicine in Columbia, Maryland. Dr. Gupta is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Dementia, Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, and Anemia.

      Showing 1-20 of 295

      Last Updated: 01/09/2026

      What is the definition of Heart Failure?

      Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptoms to occur throughout the body.

      Which doctors treat heart failure?   

      Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is managed by a team of specialized doctors

      • Primary care doctors are often the first to identify signs of heart failure. They help monitor symptoms, manage overall health, and coordinate care among specialists. They play an important role in early detection and ongoing support. 
      • Cardiologists, including heart failure specialists, lead treatment by diagnosing the condition, prescribing medications, and recommending lifestyle changes. In advanced cases, they may oversee procedures like implantable devices and heart transplants. 
      • Pulmonologists manage lung-related symptoms, such as shortness of breath, due to fluid buildup. They may prescribe diuretics or oxygen therapy to relieve congestion and improve breathing. 
      • Electrophysiologists treat heart rhythm issues (arrhythmias) that may develop with heart failure. They stabilize rhythms through medications, procedures, or implanted devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. 

      What are the symptoms of heart failure? 

      Symptoms of heart failure can vary by type and level of intensity from person to person. 

      Common signs include: 

      • Shortness of breath, especially during activity or while lying down 
      • Fatigue and weakness 
      • Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet 
      • Rapid or irregular heartbeat 
      • Persistent cough or wheezing, often with white or pink mucus 
      • Difficulty concentrating and a general feeling of being weak or tired 

      How is heart failure diagnosed?  

      Heart failure is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, and tests that assess heart function.  

      • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Small sensors attached to the skin detect the heart’s rhythm and identify any irregularities, which can signal heart stress or damage. 
      • Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test uses sound waves to create live images that show the heart’s size, shape, and how well it pumps, helping doctors assess damage or weak heart muscle.  
      • Blood Tests: Tests like the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measure specific markers that show heart strain. Elevated BNP levels suggest the heart is under stress or working harder than normal. 
      • Chest X-ray: This imaging test shows the size of the heart and any fluid buildup in the lungs. Enlarged heart size or lung congestion can suggest heart failure.  
      • Stress Test: This test checks heart performance under exertion, usually involving exercise or medications that stimulate the heart. Doctors look at heart rate, blood pressure, and rhythm to identify defects. 
      • Cardiac MRI: A cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart, which allows doctors to spot any structural and functional issues. 

      How does heart failure progress?   

      Heart failure progresses in four stages, from A to D. 

      • Stage A: High risk of developing heart failure, but without symptoms or structural heart disease. 
      • Stage B: Structural heart disease is present but without symptoms of heart failure. 
      • Stage C: Symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath appear along with structural heart issues. 
      • Stage D: Advanced heart failure, where symptoms continue even with treatment. 

      By further classifying patients in stage C and stage D heart failure, healthcare teams can better understand how to treat symptoms in more advanced stages. The most common approach is to categorize patients based on symptom severity during physical activity.  

      • Class I means there is no limitation of physical activity 
      •  Class II means there is a slight limitation of physical activity 
      • Class III: means symptoms cause discomfort and limitation of physical activity 
      • Class IV means symptoms are present even at rest and any activity causes discomfort 

      What is the difference between a heart failure doctor and a cardiologist?  

      Both heart failure doctors and cardiologists treat heart failure, but they bring different levels of specialization. A cardiologist is a doctor who treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels, while a heart failure doctor is a cardiologist who specializes in heart failure. Cardiologists are experts in diagnosing and managing a wide range of heart conditions. Heart failure doctors focus specifically on heart failure and may prescribe advanced treatments or therapies. While both types of doctors are essential in treating heart failure, heart failure specialists provide a more focused approach for individuals with complex or severe cases.  

      What is the life expectancy of someone with heart failure? 

      Estimating survival rate is complicated because the life expectancy of someone with heart failure depends on what stage the condition is, how well they respond to treatment, and lifestyle factors. Early stages of heart failure, especially with lifestyle changes and treatment, can slow down progression. In later stages, treatment focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life. Regular follow-ups with a heart failure expert can help patients live longer, healthier lives. However, if heart failure is left untreated, it will be fatal.  

      When should I see a Heart Failure doctor near Columbia, MD?

      There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

      • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
      • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
      • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
      • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
      • You want a second opinion.  

      What should I consider when choosing a Heart Failure doctor near Columbia, MD?

      It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

      How does MediFind rank Heart Failure doctors near Columbia, MD?

      MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

      What types of insurance are accepted by Heart Failure doctors near Columbia, MD?

      Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

      How can I book an appointment online with a Heart Failure doctor near Columbia, MD?

      MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Heart Failure doctor search results page. 

      Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Heart Failure doctor?

      Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

      How can I prepare for my appointment with a Heart Failure doctor near Columbia, MD?

      Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

      • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
      • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
      • Family history of disease 
      • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
      • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
      • List of questions and concerns 
      • Your insurance card 

      You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

      What questions should I ask my Heart Failure doctor?

      Here are some sample questions: 

      • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
      • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
      • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
      • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
      • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

      How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Heart Failure doctor may know about?

      MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

      MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

      Can I filter my search to show male or female Heart Failure doctors near Columbia, MD?

      Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Heart Failure doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

      Can I filter my search to find a Heart Failure doctor that offers video calls?

      Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Heart Failure doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

      Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

      By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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