The 20 Best Heart Failure Doctors Near Me in Towson, MD

Find the Top Heart Failure Experts and Specialists

The 20 Best Heart Failure Doctors near Towson, MD

Last Updated: 02/22/2026

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MediFind found 401 doctor with experience in Heart Failure near Towson, MD. Of these, 329 are Experienced, 54 are Advanced, 14 are Distinguished and 4 are Elite.

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401 providers found
    Elite in Heart Failure
    Cardiology
    Elite in Heart Failure
    Cardiology

    3333 North Calvert St.

    3333 N Calvert St, 
    Baltimore,, MD 
     (4.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Samer Najjar is a Cardiologist in Baltimore,, Maryland. Dr. Najjar is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiogenic Shock, Heart Transplant, and Cardiac Ablation.

    Chiadi Ndumele
    Elite in Heart Failure
    Elite in Heart Failure

    Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center

    601 North Caroline Street, Suite 7200, Suite 7200, 
    Baltimore, MD 
     (7.6 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.

    Kavita Sharma
    Elite in Heart Failure
    Elite in Heart Failure

    Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center

    Baltimore, MD 
     (7.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Hindi, Spanish

    Kavita Sharma MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine in Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant Cardiology in the Division of Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the Director of the Johns Hopkins Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Program. She sees patients at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, downtown campus. A cardiologist specializing in advanced heart failure, her clinical interests include advanced heart failure diagnosis and management, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support including left ventricular assist devices. She has a specialized interest in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and directs one of the largest programs in the country dedicated to caring for patients with this condition. She is the principal investigator of numerous clinical and translational trials in HFpEF and leads a team of nurses, research coordinators, and fellows-in-training in this multi-faceted program. She is an invited speaker at national meetings in topic areas covering advanced heart failure and HFpEF. Dr. Sharma is a member of the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the Heart Failure Society of America, and the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation. Dr. Sharma is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Heart Failure, Cardiac Amyloidosis, Heart Transplant, and Fasciotomy.

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    Erin D. Michos
    Distinguished in Heart Failure
    Distinguished in Heart Failure

    Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville

    10755 Falls Road, Pavilion I STE 360, Pavilion I STE 360, 
    Lutherville, MD 
     (3.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Dr. Erin D. Michos is a Professor of Medicine within the Division of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, with joint appointment in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is the Director of Women's Cardiovascular Health and the Associate Director of Preventive Cardiology within the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Dr. Michos is an internationally known expert in Preventive Cardiology and Women’s Health, having authored >700 publications and 11 book chapters. Her research involves (1) Women’s Cardiovascular Health; (2) Lipids and Lipid management; (3) Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic and Obesity disease management (4) Coronary artery calcium, inflammation and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. She is the co-Editor-in-Chief for the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. She is Co-Director of the IMPACT Center (Improving Participation Among Diverse Populations in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials) at Johns Hopkins, funded by the American Heart Association (AHA). She is a co-investigator in several NIH-funded studies including the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohorts. She has served as the Training Director for four AHA Strategic Focused Research Networks. She has mentored over 60 individuals and the recipient of 2 mentoring awards. Additionally, she was the recipient of the Nanette Wegner Award for Women’s Health Medical Leadership by the Women Heart Organization and the Donna Vogel Women’s Health Champion Award by Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Michos completed medical school at Northwestern University, Internal Medicine residency and Cardiology fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, and a Masters of Health Science degree at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Michos is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Atherosclerosis, Vitamin D Deficiency, Heart Failure, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and Thrombectomy.

    Roger S. Blumenthal
    Distinguished in Heart Failure
    Distinguished in Heart Failure

    Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville

    10755 Falls Road, Pavilion I STE 360, Pavilion I STE 360, 
    Lutherville, MD 
     (3.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Roger Blumenthal is the Kenneth Jay Pollin Professor of Cardiology, professor of medicine and director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Baltimore, Maryland. His principal clinical and research interests involve: 1) strategies to improve cardiovascular risk assessment to identify those adults at elevated risk and those at very low risk of cardiovascular disease and 2) the optimal management of atherosclerotic vascular disease. He is an expert in the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Dr. Blumenthal was the principal developer of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. He is on the official national spokesperson panel for the American Heart Association and has co-written more than 600 articles dealing with many aspects of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis management. An experienced writer, Dr. Blumenthal is on the editorial board of Circulation, Cardiology Today, and The American College of Cardiology and Extended Learning Center. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention Council. He was co-editor-in-chief of the textbook Preventive Cardiology – A Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease. He received his medical degree from Cornell Medical College, where he was awarded the Weiss Prize for Excellence in Clinical Medicine. He did his internal medicine and cardiology fellowship training at The Johns Hopkins Hospital before joining the Johns Hopkins cardiology faculty. Dr. Blumenthal was the 2019 recipient of the Landon School Anthony Kupka Distinguished Alumnus Award. He was co-chairperson of the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Guideline on prevention of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Blumenthal is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Atherosclerosis, Coronary Heart Disease, Metabolic Syndrome, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and Heart Bypass Surgery.

    Wendy S. Post
    Distinguished in Heart Failure
    Distinguished in Heart Failure

    Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville

    Lutherville, MD 
     (3.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Wendy Post is professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and holds a joint appointment as professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is the Lou and Nancy Grasmick Professor of Cardiology. Dr. Post is a cardiologist at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and the Echocardiography Laboratory and is associate faculty at the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins University. She is Director of Cardiovascular Research for the Division of Cardiology and Director of Research for the Hopkins Cardiovascular Fellowship Training Program. Dr. Post received her undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard University. She earned her medical degree from Columbia College of Surgeons and Physicians, Columbia University. After completing her internship and residency at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Hospital, Dr. Post received her master’s degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. She was a research fellow at the Framingham Heart Study, in Framingham, Mass., and completed a fellowship in cardiology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Post joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 1997. Dr. Post’s research interests include prediction and prevention of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death, noninvasive imaging of subclinical atherosclerosis, genetics of cardiovascular disease, sex and racial/ethnic differences in cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease in HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. She is the chair of the steering committee, and the principal investigator for the Hopkins field center for the NIH-funded Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Dr. Post also leads Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) Cardiovascular Disease sub-studies. She has been the PI for three R01 grants from NHLBI investigating cardiovascular disease in HIV, and is dual PI on the cardiology NHLBI training grant, which has been continuously funded for over 45 years. Dr. Post is a manuscript reviewer for multiple publications and is currently associate editor of Circulation. She has over 350 peer-reviewed research publications. Dr. Post was elected as a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) in 2015. She mentors multiple medical students, medical house staff, fellows and junior faculty. She was a member of the Hopkins Professorial Promotions Committee and a former Johns Hopkins University Provost Fellow. She was co-chair of the Johns Hopkins University Committee on the Biomedical Scientific Workforce. Dr. Post is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Atherosclerosis, Coronary Heart Disease, Carotid Artery Disease, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Aortic Valve Replacement.

    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 
     (7.6 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.

    Experienced in Heart Failure
    Cardiac Electrophysiology | Cardiology
    Experienced in Heart Failure
    Cardiac Electrophysiology | Cardiology

    University Of Maryland St Joseph Medical Group LLC

    7505 Osler Dr, Suite 103, 
    Towson, MD 
     (0.8 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Hindi
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Vikas Kalra is a Cardiac Electrophysiologist and a Cardiologist in Towson, Maryland. Dr. Kalra 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, Ventricular Tachycardia, Pacemaker Implantation, and Cardiac Ablation. Dr. Kalra is currently accepting new patients.

    Jaideep Patel
    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Advanced in Heart Failure

    Greater Baltimore Medical Center

    Baltimore, MD 
     (1.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Gujarati , Hindi

    Jaideep Patel is a Cardiologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Patel is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Atherosclerosis, Cardiac Amyloidosis, Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, and Endoscopy.

    Michael J. Blaha
    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Advanced in Heart Failure

    Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville

    10755 Falls Road, Pavilion I STE 360, Pavilion I STE 360, 
    Lutherville, MD 
     (3.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Michael J. Blaha MD MPH is Professor of Cardiology and Epidemiology and presently serves as the Director of Clinical Research for the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Director of the Cardiometabolic Clinic, and Program Director for the Preventive Cardiology Fellowship. His clinical interests include primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, with emphasis on early intervention in patients with advanced subclinical atherosclerosis detected with cardiac computed tomography. Dr. Blaha represents the 4th generation of physicians in his family. After earning a BS in pre-medical studies and classical civilization at the University of Notre Dame in 2001, Dr. Blaha went to Vanderbilt University where in 2006 he received his MD as well as an MPH. in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. Dr. Blaha then completed his Internal Medicine residency in the Osler Medical Housestaff Training Program at Johns Hopkins in 2009 before completing a fellowship in Cardiology at Johns Hopkins in 2012. In 2018, Dr. Blaha received the Dr. Fred Brancati award at Johns Hopkins for excellence in mentoring. He has mentored over 30 trainees, many of which have gone on to hold prominent academic appointments. In 2021, Dr. Blaha was named to the Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher List, representing the top 1% of world’s researchers, and was first named to the Baltimore Magazine Best Doctors List. In 2022, he received the Arthur S. Agatston Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Award. Clinically, he practices as a preventive cardiologist specializing in cardiometabolic disease and in the interpretation of cardiac CT. His clinic specializes in patients with cardiometabolic disease and advanced subclinical atherosclerosis, and the focused use of an array of lifestyle and pharmacotherapies to mitigate that risk. Dr. Blaha is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Atherosclerosis, Coronary Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, Metabolic Syndrome, and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).

    Virginia Hahn
    Distinguished in Heart Failure
    Distinguished in Heart Failure

    JH Health Care & Surgery Center – White Marsh

    4924 Campbell Boulevard, Suite 110, Suite 110, 
    Nottingham, MD 
     (6.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Virginia Shalkey Hahn, M.D., is a cardiologist specialized in caring for patients with cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Dr. Hahn received her medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012. She was a Sarnoff Fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She completed internal medicine residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and cardiology/advanced heart failure fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she was the Marie-Josée and Henry R Kravis Chief Cardiology Fellow. Dr. Hahn's research is focused on translational studies in heart failure using bioinformatics tools and functional assays. She has won several awards and grants for her research. Dr. Hahn is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Heart Failure, Heart Attack, and Apoplexy.

    Maurizio Colognesi
    Distinguished in Heart Failure
    Distinguished in Heart Failure

    The Johns Hopkins Hospital

    1800 Orleans Street, 
    Baltimore, MD 
     (7.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Italian

    Maurizio Colognesi is a Cardiologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Colognesi is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Pulmonary Edema, Heart Failure, Heart Attack, and Apoplexy.

    Stephen Gottlieb
    Distinguished in Heart Failure
    Distinguished in Heart Failure

    Office

    419 W Redwood St Ste 520, 
    Baltimore,, MD 
     (7.3 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).

    Joban Vaishnav
    Distinguished in Heart Failure
    Distinguished in Heart Failure

    Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center

    Baltimore, MD 
     (7.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Joban Vaishnav is a cardiologist specializing in heart failure in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, she is an assistant professor at the Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She has special interest in amyloidosis. Dr. Vaishnav earned her medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine. She completed a residency in internal medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she also completed fellowships in cardiology and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. Dr. Vaishnav is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. Her top areas of expertise are Cardiac Amyloidosis, Heart Failure, Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis, Heart Transplant, and Tissue Biopsy.

    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Advanced in Heart Failure

    UM SJMG - Cardiovascular Care

    7505 Osler Dr Ste 103, 
    Towson, MD 
     (1.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Jeremy Pollock is a Cardiologist in Towson, Maryland. Dr. Pollock is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Attack, and Apoplexy.

    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Cardiology
    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Cardiology

    UM SJMG - Cardiovascular Care

    7505 Osler Dr Ste 103, 
    Towson,, MD 
     (1.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Anoop Patel is a Cardiologist in Towson,, Maryland. Dr. Patel is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Pulmonary Edema, Heart Failure, Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), and Atherosclerosis.

    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Advanced in Heart Failure

    Um Sjmg-Cardiovascular Care Suite 101

    7505 Osler Dr Ste 103, 
    Towson, MD 
     (1.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Ronald Schechter is a Cardiologist in Towson, Maryland. Dr. Schechter is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Cardiomyopathy, Necrosis, Atherosclerosis, and Coronary Heart Disease.

    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Advanced in Heart Failure

    UM SJMG - Cardiovascular Care

    7505 Osler Dr Ste 103, 
    Towson, MD 
     (1.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Daniel Plotnick is a Cardiologist in Towson, Maryland. Dr. Plotnick is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Apoplexy, Aortic Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation, and Cardiomyopathy.

    Andreas Barth
    Experienced in Heart Failure
    Cardiac Electrophysiology | Cardiology
    Experienced in Heart Failure
    Cardiac Electrophysiology | Cardiology

    Greater Baltimore Medical Center

    6569 North Charles Street, Pavilion West STE 600, Pavilion West STE 600, 
    Baltimore, MD 
     (1.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, French, German, Greek, Romanian
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Andreas S. Barth is an Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Director of the Center for Inherited Heart Diseases. His clinical work focuses on clinical cardiac electrophysiology with a specific focus on inherited arrhythmia syndromes and channelopathies, including long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, CPVT and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. Additionally, Dr. Barth participates in a multidisciplinary clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute providing Cardiology care to patients with muscular dystrophies and mitochondrial disease. Dr. Barth performs pacemaker and defibrillator implantation and complex catheter ablations for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. His basic research lab explores the relationship between metabolic and arrhythmogenic ion channel remodeling in heart failure and myotonic dystrophy. Dr. Barth earned a combined doctor of medicine and doctor of philosophy from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany. He joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2016. He has been recognized with the First Prize for the Stanley L. Blumenthal Cardiology Research Award in Clinical Science in the Division of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and as a Young Investigator Award Finalist of the American Heart Association and Heart Rhythm Society. Dr. Barth is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Cardiomyopathy, Arrhythmias, Heart Attack, Cardiac Ablation, and Pacemaker Implantation.

    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Cardiology
    Advanced in Heart Failure
    Cardiology

    Office

    5601 Loch Raven Blvd Fl 4, 
    Baltimore, MD 
     (2.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Jelles Fonda is a Cardiologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Fonda is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Heart Failure. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), and Cor Pulmonale.

    Showing 1-20 of 401

    Last Updated: 02/22/2026

    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 Towson, 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 Towson, 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 Towson, 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 Towson, 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 Towson, 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 Towson, 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 Towson, 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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