Black female doctor with stethoscope talking to older black patient afib care

Heart rhythm and AFib care in Baltimore

Give your heart the attention it deserves. Appointments are available with leading AFib specialists at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
FIND A SPECIALIST

Heart care can’t wait. When you notice a change in your heartbeat, such as a flutter or quiver in your chest, start a conversation about your new symptoms with a cardiologist at Ascension Saint Agnes. Cardiologists specialize in atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of arrhythmia where your heartbeat is irregular, either too fast or too slow. Other symptoms may include chest pain, sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness. We start by listening to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a personalized care plan that's right for you.

Your doctor may recommend a series of tests as part of your care plan. EKGs, stress tests and blood tests are used to help detect an irregular heartbeat. These tests help your doctor understand the cause of your irregular heartbeat. You and your doctor will work together to choose a treatment option that is right for you. Treatment may include medication, therapy or surgery.

Getting the right care can help prevent heart failure

AFib may come and go and affect how your heart pumps blood through your body, increasing your risk for stroke and congestive heart failure. When you choose Ascension Saint Agnes for your heart care, you have an entire team dedicated to your care. Electrophysiologists, or doctors who specialize in heart rhythm disorders, are part of our care team. Together, your heart care team diagnoses heart arrhythmias and offers minimally invasive treatment options that can help get you back to life more quickly.

Advanced care for your irregular heartbeat

A heart rhythm disorder can be a sign of a more serious condition. We take the time to understand you and your health to provide personalized heart care. If your condition is related to another health concern, we connect you with the right specialists. Our doctors provide advanced treatment options for heart rhythm disorders, including:

  • Defibrillators
  • Pacemakers

Treatment options for complex AFib and heart failure

Congestive heart failure can be caused by chronic AFib. Our heart failure specialists help monitor and manage your condition. And for routine check-ins, we offer telehealth calls so you can talk to our cardiac nurse practitioner or doctor from the comfort of your home.

If heart surgery is recommended, we coordinate care with your heart surgeon and provide follow-up care that supports your heart recovery. Learn more about our services at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Heart and Respiratory Rehabilitation.

Get a second opinion from a heart specialist

Decisions about your heart care are important. Getting a second opinion not only provides more information about your condition, but it can help you feel more confident in the doctor and the care plan you choose. If you’re looking for a second opinion, specialists at Ascension Saint Agnes are here to listen and recommend options that are right for you. Consider getting a second opinion if:

  • Your diagnosis or prognosis is unclear
  • You’ve been told you have a rare or life-threatening condition
  • You would like to explore other treatment options
  • Your treatment options are costly or risky
  • You want to hear an opinion from another specialist
  • Your insurance requires a second opinion

GET A SECOND OPINION

Heart care that focuses on the whole you

Your doctors, specialists and care teams at Ascension Saint Agnes collaborate, working together with you and for you. Your doctor understands your healthcare needs and goals. And all your caregivers are communicating and collaborating as a team. At Ascension Saint Agnes, our care team supports you before, during and after your surgery, to help you return to the regular daily activities and those you love. We monitor your health and provide cardiac rehab and medication management.

Frequently asked questions about AFib

  • Is atrial fibrillation (AFib) a serious heart condition?

    AFib is the most commonly treated heart arrhythmia and can increase risk of stroke and heart failure. A heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is when your heart rhythm is either too fast or too slow. The first step in getting the care you need is to start a conversation with your doctor about new symptoms, health history and risk for heart disease. Your doctor starts with advanced diagnostics and may connect you to an electrophysiologist who delivers advanced care for heart rhythm disorders.

  • Is AFib a long-term heart condition?

    AFib can happen over a short period of time or be a permanent heart condition. Risk factors for AFib increase with age and high blood pressure. AFib can also be present with or without symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns. Your doctor may recommend an EKG to evaluate your heart rhythm. If you have already been diagnosed with AFib, talk to your doctor about medications to help regulate your heartbeat or prevent blood clots that may lead to stroke. Electrophysiologists may perform the latest non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments, such as:

    • Ablation
    • Cardioversion
    • Implanted pacemaker
    • Ventricular assist device
    • WATCHMAN™ device
  • What are the four types of AFib?

    AFib is a progressive heart condition that ranges from short and infrequent episodes to a permanent heart condition. The four types of AFib include:

    • Paroxysmal AFib - a brief episode that lasts less than 24 hours or up to a week
    • Persistent AFib - lasts more than a week and may need additional treatment to regulate heartbeat
    • Long-standing persistent AFib - lasts more than a year without improving
    • Permanent AFib - when AFib does not get better with treatment

    Symptoms of AFib vary and can include:

    • Chest pain
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding)
    • Irregular heartbeat
    • Lightheadedness
    • Shortness of breath

    Don’t wait when you have concerns about your heart. Start a conversation with your doctor if you have symptoms of AFib.

  • How does an EKG help diagnose AFib?

    Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures your heart’s electrical activity. This includes your heart rate and heart rhythm. Your doctor uses an EKG to detect a normal or irregular heartbeat. A rapid or irregular heartbeat is a symptom of AFib or another heart arrhythmia. An EKG may be part of your annual physical exam and a common test during a cardiology appointment.

  • What is the most common treatment for AFib?

    AFib treatment often begins with medicines to control the heart's rhythm and rate. Treatment may also begin with blood-thinning medicine that can help prevent blood clots from forming and help reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. Healthy lifestyle changes can also help manage AFib symptoms. Minimally invasive procedures may be the recommended treatment for an irregular heartbeat, including ablation, cardioversion, implanted pacemaker and other devices such as the WATCHMAN™. As your heart care needs change, get the care that’s right for you, from routine heart care to advanced heart care. You’ll find that managing long-term and chronic heart care needs is easier with a team to support you.

  • What is a heart ablation?

    Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive option for treating AFib. During the procedure, your doctor uses a catheter to target the abnormal cells causing your arrhythmia. There are two types of catheter ablation: radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat, while cryoablation uses cold to destroy abnormal cells affecting your heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about your AFib symptoms and what is right for your care plan.

  • How do I find a cardiologist near me?

    Find a doctor by calling or scheduling an appointment online. Ask if a virtual visit is an option for your care. Need a second opinion appointment? Our team can help. Schedule a consultation today.