HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Novant Health continues to advance heart care in the Lowcountry with the addition of its first full time electrophysiologist in South Carolina.
Mark Liwanag, DO, is now seeing patients at Novant Health Heart & Vascular – Physicians Plaza, located at 8 Hospital Center Blvd., Suite 150, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. His arrival expands services at the existing heart and vascular clinic and strengthens Novant Health’s growing cardiovascular program in the region. The addition of electrophysiology services brings specialized heart rhythm care closer to home for patients across Hilton Head Island and surrounding coastal communities.
Electrophysiology is a subspecialty of cardiology focused on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias. These conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), bradycardia and other irregular heartbeats, become increasingly common with age. Electrophysiologists receive advanced training to perform specialized procedures such as catheter ablation and the implantation of cardiac devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators, to restore normal heart rhythm and improve quality of life.
People with AFib are five times more likely to experience a stroke than those without it, making early diagnosis and specialized treatment critical.
“For our Beaufort and Jasper County communities, where many residents are retired or nearing retirement, access to advanced heart rhythm care is essential,” said Joel Taylor, president of the Hilton Head area for Novant Health. “Dr. Liwanag’s addition marks an important milestone in the continued growth of our heart and vascular program and brings the first full-time electrophysiologist to our Lowcountry community. We are committed to building a comprehensive cardiovascular program that allows patients to receive high-quality care close to home.”
“Heart rhythm disorders can be frightening and disruptive, but they are highly treatable with the right expertise,” Liwanag said. “I’m excited to join Novant Health and expand access to advanced electrophysiology services in the Hilton Head community. My goal is to work closely with patients to create individualized treatment plans that improve both longevity and quality of life.”
Liwanag is also introducing advanced technology to the region with the FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation System, a recently approved device in the U.S. for the treatment of AFib that has been used internationally. The technology is designed to improve procedural precision while reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue.
Liwanag is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology. He attended Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and has experience diagnosing and treating complex arrhythmias. His clinical expertise includes catheter ablation, cardiac device implantation and long-term heart rhythm monitoring.
The growth of Novant Health Heart & Vascular reflects a broader commitment to strengthening heart and vascular services across the Lowcountry, including the recent addition of vascular surgeon, Christopher Wixon, MD in Bluffton. By expanding advanced services locally, Novant Health aims to reduce the need for patients to travel outside the region for specialized heart care.
For more information or to schedule an appointment visit Novant Health Heart & Vascular – Physicians Plaza online or call 854-235-2730.
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