Andrew Ertel, MD, is a non-invasive cardiologist at the Heart and Vascular Institute of MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of cardiac conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valvular disease, with a special interest in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pericardial disease. In addition, Dr. Ertel is specialty trained in cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Dr. Ertel is passionate about using cardiac MRI and cardiac CT imaging technologies to advance diagnostic capabilities for complex cardiovascular conditions and deliver individualized treatment plans. His clinical focus is on applying these techniques to patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pericardial disease, where these modalities offer significant advantages over conventional imaging.

He is also actively engaged with the structural heart team at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and uses cardiac CT to provide detailed pre-procedural assessments to facilitate successful execution of advanced structural interventions, such as percutaneous aortic and mitral valve implantation, and left atrial appendage closure.

Dr. Ertel received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He then completed a three-year residency in internal medicine at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University in Chicago. He continued his training at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, where he completed a three-year fellowship in cardiovascular disease. Finally, Dr. Ertel completed fellowship training in advanced cardiovascular imaging with the National Institutes of Health before joining MedStar Health.

As a crucial part of a team of specialized cardiologists, Dr. Ertel accepts referrals for all cardiovascular conditions. He and his colleagues at MedStar Washington Hospital Center provide the highest level of cardiac care for patients in the Washington, D.C., region and are dedicated to creating a personalized, comprehensive approach for each patient.

Philosophy of Care

“At MedStar Washington Hospital Center, we have expertise in every aspect of the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. In my role as a general clinical cardiologist, my job is to guide my patients through our system and identify the best diagnostic and therapeutic options for their condition. At times, this involves finding an expert within our system who can treat, either through medications or interventions, a particular problem. Sometimes, this process involves my expertise in multimodality imaging, selecting the test or tests for an individual patient that will provide us with the best diagnostic information, which will then inform an optimal and individualized treatment plan.

“In every case, I have the utmost confidence that we possess excellence in all aspects of cardiovascular care here at MedStar, such that our patients can get the very best that contemporary cardiovascular care has to offer, right here.

“I am part of a team of specialists that are skilled in a variety of techniques and focus on providing a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. I take the time to listen to my patients in order to gain an understanding of how their symptoms affect their lives and how, together, we can make the best decisions regarding their care.”