July 20, 2026

Back on the bike: How expert cardiac care helped Mark Wagner ride forward

For Mark Wagner, cycling has always been more than a hobby—it’s a way of life.

An avid cyclist who regularly takes on grueling climbs and endurance rides, Mark is no stranger to pushing his limits. As a lecturer at Cal State Long Beach, he brings that same discipline and passion to the classroom, inspiring students to challenge themselves intellectually and personally. But in early 2026, Mark encountered a challenge he never saw coming—one that would test not only his physical endurance, but his trust in the healthcare system.

Something just didn’t feel right
After completing the Trek Travel Ride Camp in October 2025, Mark returned home feeling strong. Mark Wagner and Jeff Lopez
The six-day cycling event challenged riders with 360.59 miles, 24,307 feet of elevation gain and more than 26 hours of bike time. For Mark, it was the kind of demanding experience he regularly embraced as an endurance cyclist.

But soon after, he began noticing something unusual during his rides.
“I couldn’t keep pace… it felt like my legs just didn’t have oxygen,” he recalled.

Despite his high fitness level, his heart rate readings fluctuated dramatically—at times reaching levels that didn’t make sense. After several concerning episodes, including one where a fellow cyclist and retired paramedic, Jeff Lopez, urged him to seek help, Mark was diagnosed with atrial flutter, an arrhythmia causing a rapid, unregulated pulse and symptoms that can include palpitations, chest pressure, shortness of breath and dizziness. Left untreated, it can lead to worsening cardiac function and disability.

For someone used to being in control, the uncertainty was unsettling. “I had no idea what any of it meant,” he shared.

Finding the right care, at the right time
Mark initially explored treatment options across Southern California, considering several well-known medical centers. But a referral led him to Dr. Marc Girsky, cardiac electrophysiologist and Chief of Cardiology at California Hospital Medical Center.

Instead of feeling like just another patient, Mark experienced a sense of calm and reassurance. From the welcoming staff to the seamless coordination of his care, every interaction helped build his confidence.

“The goal in treating our patients starts with an understanding of how their clinical condition is impacting their lives,” said Dr. Girsky. “It was clear that Mark’s life was being impacted by his inability to enjoy his bike rides due to recurrent atrial flutter.”

A moment of humanity before surgery
On the morning of his procedure—March 12, 2026—Mark carried with him both anxiety and hope. As he lay in the cath lab preparing for surgery, he shared a meaningful personal reflection with a nurse. In response, she offered words of encouragement that deeply resonated with him.

“It was a pretty powerful moment,” he said.

That moment of human connection—simple, sincere and reassuring—helped steady him before going under.

Support at every step
Mark’s experience extended far beyond the procedure itself. He vividly recalls the warmth of the entire care team—from the Mark and nurse Lori after his procedure security staff who greeted him with kindness to the clinical team that ensured his comfort and safety.

“They were calm, friendly… you just really felt at home,” he said.

Even after surgery, the attention didn’t wane. When Mark experienced minor post-procedure concerns, his CHMC care team responded quickly—reviewing updates, communicating promptly and adjusting guidance to support his recovery.

“Exceptional care goes beyond the procedure—it’s about supporting patients throughout their entire journey,” said Gina Cordero, RT, RCIS, Manager of Cardiovascular Services and Interventional Radiology.

Back to what he loves
Just weeks after his procedure, Mark was already seeing progress. His heart rate stabilized, and he gradually returned to cycling—something that once seemed uncertain.

Before his diagnosis, Mark's typical week included rides every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, totaling approximately 200 miles. Today, he has returned to that level of activity, with the intensity of his rides approaching what it was before surgery.
“It’s starting to come back,” he shared after a recent ride.

On a recent ride alone, Mark logged 60 miles and 2,648 feet of elevation gain—milestones that would have seemed out of reach just months earlier.

For Mark, getting back on his bike isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s about reclaiming a part of his identity.

“At California Hospital Medical Center, we are fortunate to have access to cutting-edge treatments that can permanently eliminate these types of arrhythmias and help patients like Mark get back to enjoying their lives,” Dr. Girsky added.

Today, Mark is eager to share his experience—not just as a patient, but as an advocate for exceptional, patient-centered care.
He also believes his story highlights something powerful: that world-class care exists right here in downtown Los Angeles, where patients from all backgrounds are treated with dignity, respect and excellence.

A full-circle connection
Mark and Patti Wagner Reflecting on the experience, Mark and his wife, Patti, discovered an unexpected connection to California Hospital Medical Center: Patti was born at California Hospital decades earlier.

“It felt like a full-circle moment,” Mark said. “There was already a connection to the hospital through our family—we just didn’t realize it at the time.”

For Patti, the discovery made an already meaningful experience even more special.

“I was born at California Hospital, so learning that after Mark’s procedure made everything feel even more connected,” Patti said. “Once we met Dr. Girsky and experienced the cardiac team's care, we felt completely confident that Mark was in the best hands. Everyone treated us with such kindness and respect, and that reassurance meant everything during a stressful time.”

For the couple, it was one more reminder that exceptional care can often be found close to home—and that California Hospital has been caring for Los Angeles families across generations.

“Everything leads to the patient outcome that you want… at the highest level,” he said.

Supporting care that changes lives
Stories like Mark’s are made possible through the expertise of clinical teams and the generosity of donors who help provide patients with leading-edge treatments and advanced technology.

“Thanks to our donors, we have the technology and resources needed to help patients like Mark get back to doing what they love,” Gina added.

At California Hospital Medical Center, every patient story is a reminder of what’s possible when clinical excellence meets humankindness. Support life-saving cardiac care today.

Captions
Picture 1: Mark Wagner during a recent ride in July 2026
Picture 2 : Mark Wagner and Jeff Lopez
Picture 3 : Dr. Marc Girsky
Picture 4 : Mark and cath lab nurse Lori
Picture 5 : Mark and Patti Wagner