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Steven Hsu, MD
Heart Failure and Transplantation Cardiology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Steven Hsu
Professional Titles
- Medical Director, Mechanical Circulatory Support
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Medicine
Background
Steven Hsu, M.D., is a member of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Division of Cardiology, specializing in heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, and cardiac transplantation.
Dr. Hsu received his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed intern and residency training in internal medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he also served as an Assistant Chief of Service for the Osler Medical Service. He then completed a clinical fellowship in cardiology and a post-doctoral fellowship in advanced heart failure/transplant at Hopkins. He is a faculty member of the American College of Cardiology. He sees patients with heart failure, mechanical circulatory support devices such as left ventricular assist devices, and cardiac transplants.
Dr. Hsu’s research interests are focused on the hemodynamic and molecular changes related to right ventricular failure in the setting of pulmonary hypertension, with special attention to right ventricular failure due to scleroderma-associated pulmonary hypertension. He also studies right ventricular function in the setting of other heart failure disease states.
Videos
Lab Website
Hsu Lab
- Our work is focused on the translational human in vivo and ex vivo assessments of right ventricular (RV) function in the setting of pulmonary hypertension. Among patients with group I pulmonary arterial hypertension PAH, those with systemic-sclerosis-associated PAH (SSc-PAH) have a particularly poor prognosis and less optimal response to PAH-guided therapy. Using in vivo pressure-volume catheterization of the right ventricle, we have uncovered key deficiencies in resting and reserve RV function in the SSc-PAH group when compared to idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients. These studies have uncovered key discoveries with regards to right ventricular-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling in PAH. In the lab, by studying myofilament function from RV endomyocardial biopsies from these same patients, we have uncovered corresponding deficiencies in myofilament contractility and calcium sensitivity as well. Ongoing work is directed towards determining the underlying mechanism of these findings, which will hopefully lead to therapeutic applications for RV failure in SSc-PAH. Further endeavors are directed towards studying RV failure in other populations, including exercise-induced PH, PH secondary to left-heart disease, and the left ventricular assist device population.
Selected Publications
Hsu S, Brusca SB, Rhodes PS, Kolb TM, Mathai SC, Tedford RJ. Use of Thermodilution Cardiac Output Overestimates Diagnoses of Exercise-induced Pulmonary Hypertension. Pulmonary Circulation. 2017;7:253-255.
Hsu S, Houston BA, Tampakakis E, Bacher AC, Rhodes PS,Mathai SC, Damico RL, Kolb TM, Hummers LK, Shah AA, McMahan Z, Corona-Villalobos CP, Zimmerman SL, Wigley FM, Hassoun PM, Kass DA, Tedford RJ. Right Ventricular Functional Reserve in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Circulation. 2016;133:2413-22.
Hsu S, Nagayama T, Koitabashi N, Zhang M, Zhou L, Bedja D, Gabrielson KL, Molkentin JD, Kass DA, Takimoto E. Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition blocks cardiac hypertrophy independent of the calcineurin pathway. Cardiovascular Research. 2009; 81:301-9.
Nagayama T, Hsu S, Zhang M, Koitabashi N, Bedja D, Gabrielson KL, Takimoto E, Kass DA. Sildenafil stops progressive chamber, cellular, and molecular remodeling and improves calcium handling and function in hearts with pre-existing advanced hypertrophy caused by pressure overload. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2009; 53:207-15.
Takimoto E, Hsu S, Koitabashi N, Ketner EA, Zhang M, Nagayama T, Bedja D, Gabrielson KL, Blanton R, Siderovski DP, Mendelsohn ME, Kass DA. RGS2 mediates cardiac compensation to pressure-overload and anti-hypertrophic effects of PDE5 inhibition in mice. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2009; 119:408-20.
Honors
- Clinical Research Award Finalist, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1/1/16
- Howard S. Silverman Research Award, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins, 1/1/15
- Fellow Teaching Award, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 1/1/15
- Intern Teaching Award, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1/1/10
- Alpha Omega Alpha, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1/1/09
- Warfield T. Longcope Prize for Excellence in Clinical Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1/1/09
- Henry Strong Denison Research Scholar, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1/1/09
- Phi Beta Kappa, Yale University, 1/1/04
- Graduated summa cum laude, Yale University, 1/1/04
Memberships
- American Heart Association,
Member
- American College of Cardiology,
Member
- International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation,
Member
- Heart Failure Society of America,
Member
- American College of Cardiology,
Faculty
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6410 Rockledge Drive, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20817
- phone: 301-897-5301
- fax: 410-367-2059
Expertise
Education
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant Cardiology, 2017Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Cardiology, 2016Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency, Internal Medicine, 2012Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 2009Board Certifications
Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
American Board of Internal Medicine, 2018Cardiovascular Disease
American Board of Internal Medicine, 2016Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
5 out of 5
101 ratings, 39 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2025
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2025
DR HSU was Very kind, had excellent understanding of my problem and the solution. He was very thorough in diagnosing My problem and the solution. He spent more than an hour explaining why and how I am fortunate to have a doctor like Hsu.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2025
I'm please with my provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
Dr Hsu is the best . He and the heart transplant team has saved my life ! Along with the kidney transplant Team saved my life the second time . John's Hopkins is the #1 Hospital in the nation . I can't thank and praise them enough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
Dr Hsu is the epitome of what I believe a medical practitioner should be. Intelligent, well prepared, knowledgeable, patient, empathetic. I never feel rushed when we meet and always come away from our meetings feeling heard, understood and that I have a partner in dealing with my medical situation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
Dr Hsu is an excellent physician with a high level of dedication, intellect, and skill.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
One of the best and most well-informed doctors I have ever seen.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2024
Dr Hsu is awesome! The new meds he recommended are working better than hoped for. His bedside manner & professionalism is outstanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/25/2024
Compassionate, sincere, professional, considerate of patient concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2024
He made medication changes in medicine I have been taking for forty years and feeling tired.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2024
My question in MyChart was never answered. Had to use email instead.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2024
Very knowledgeable specialist who provides good care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2024
Dr. Hsu is thorough and easy to understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2024
Life saver
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
Excellent. Very professional. Encouraging and upbeat, while realistic. Well informed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
Dr. Hsu is an excellent provider. He has been my cardiologist, guiding me for many years a heart ablation. He helped me through my heart transplant 5 years ago at Johns Hopkins. He listens to me, and understands my life situation and what is Important me. I'm happy to have a very healthy heart and healthy life at the age of 73.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
I like Dr. Hsu.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2024
I am very impressed with the provider, and feel fortunate to have him as my doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Love him! Dr. Hsu is very concerned that patients understand and are clear about their diagnosis and follow up instructions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr. Hsu is an excellent communicator and caring doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr Hsu is one of the best doctors I have ever seen. Highly knowledgeable, responsive, kind, listens, courteous, caring, thoughtful. Good judgment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
I Dr. Steven Hsu was great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr. Hsu is such a caring, trustwothy physician who I truly appreciate & respect.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2024
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/1/2024
DR. HSU IS A AWESOME HEART DOCTOR, I FEEL IN THE BEST CARE I CAN POSIBLE CAN EVER GET WITH DOCTOR HSU
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2024
Dr Hsu listens to my concerns & we forge a plant together
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2024
The provider is very knowledgeable and friendly. His office communicated very well and kept me informed about information regarding my condition. His approach is very solution focused which is very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2024
I followed this Dr from Baltimore to further down in maryland
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
I have made very significant improvements in my cardiac health due to Dr. Hsu
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Bright, knowledgeable, articulate, attentive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/18/2024
Listens well. Provides medical information in language that is easily understood. Answers questions well. Well informed about medical treatments and options. Among the best providers I have ever had at Johns Hopkins. Exceptional doctor who researches deeply AND listens well to patients while strategizing next steps for health care. This doctor deserves recognition for his exceptional professionalism and care of patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
Dr Hsu
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
Dr. Hsu Is an excellent, caring physician who listens and interacts with his patients. I give him my highest rating and I don't do that very often.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/14/2024
VERY PLEASED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THIS PROVIDER.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/29/2024
Dr Hsu is a consummate professional and exhibited superior knowledge understanding and sincerity about my situation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/29/2024
What a wonderful visit!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/29/2024
He cares,