An Echocardiogram is a non-invasive procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create images of your heart’s structure. 
This test evaluates your heart’s overall function and hemodynamics (the study of blood flow). Our center evaluates the heart using several types of echocardiography:

• Standard transthoracic echocardiography
• Transesophageal echocardiography
• Exercise echocardiography
• Detailed hemodynamic assessment at rest and during provocation (Valsalva, Amyl Nitrite or exercise)
• Tissue Doppler and strain echocardiography to evaluate regional and global myocardial mechanics

Magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of an organ’s structure. We perform MRI scans that target the heart which can assess the overall function of the heart even for patients with internal devices.  
Our team also evaluates novel disease markers by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MR Spectroscopy).

We evaluate the risk for sudden cardiac death through clinical and non-invasive testing. One non-invasive test we perform is an electrophysiological study, where thin wire electrodes are inserted into a vein and into the heart, where the measure the heart’s electrical signals. Our specialists then determines the need for defibrillator implantation and performs implantation of defibrillators and pacemakers.

The Johns Hopkins Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center also provides atrial fibrillation treatment which includes pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), a cardiac ablation procedure that creates scar tissue where all four pulmonary veins join. This procedure reduces the symptoms of atrial fibrillation by stopping abnormal electrical signals in the heart.

Our clinic performs cardiopulmonary testing and has experts that monitor and treat heart failure. We evaluate pediatric and adult patients for heart transplantation and perform them when necessary.

Interventional cardiology treats heart diseases with catheter-based procedures. Our specialists perform diagnostic coronary angiography, where heart abnormalities are detected during an x-ray. 
Percutaneous alcohol septal ablation for obstructive HCM is another non-surgical procedure that reduces symptoms and future complications for HCM by injecting alcohol through a catheter where the heart area is thick, minimizing the heart thickness and improving blood flow.

Our team performs a variety of procedures for patients including surgical myectomy for obstructive HCM and valve repair.

Family-focused care is our core mission. We provide genetic counseling through The Johns Hopkins Center for Inherited Heart Disease, where family members at risk are identified and monitored by our team.