Orlando Health — Health Central to expand cardiology services

More services are coming to Orlando Health — Health Central.

The hospital will be expanding its cardiology services to include advanced electrophysiology and arrhythmia care starting in the spring.

The additional services are coming as board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr. Karnika Ayinapudi joined the Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute.

She specializes in heart rhythm disorders, cardiac ablation procedures, and cardiac device implantation and management. 

Ayinapudi said it's important to expand specialized health services in the community because atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heart rhythm, is becoming more prevalent. 

"I'm looking forward to meeting new patients here in Ocoee and helping them navigate their heart care," she said in a news release. 

Health Central also is building a new cardiac catheterization laboratory with specialized electrophysiology equipment to compliment Ayinapudi's practice. 

Once the new lab is complete, cardiac ablations and other advanced procedures will be available on top of the current opportunities for patients to receive pacemakers and defibrillators at the hospital. 

“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Ayinapudi on board and know she’ll be a great asset to our patients here in West Orange County,” said Maggie Bonko, Orlando Health vice president and president of Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital, in the release. “Expanding our electrophysiology care is another important piece in our mission, to continue bringing specialized providers and services to our hospital.”