Cardiology Treatment in Port Charlotte

At Cardiology Treatment in Port Charlotte, our foremost priority is preventive cardiology, aimed at mitigating the risk factors associated with cardiac and vascular diseases. We are dedicated to ensuring optimal control of various conditions known to elevate the likelihood of cardiovascular issues. Through comprehensive care and personalised treatment plans, we strive to empower our patients to lead heart-healthy lifestyles and reduce their susceptibility to these diseases. With a focus on proactive management, education, and support, we endeavour to foster lasting cardiovascular wellness within our community.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol profile)
• Diabetes
• Obesity and Malnutrition
• Tobacco and drug dependence

Pre-Surgical Cardiac Evaluation

At Cardiology Treatment in Port Charlotte, Florida, we understand the significant impact surgeries can have on cardiac health. Recognizing the potential for surgeries to induce stress on the heart and body, we prioritise thorough evaluations of patients to optimise their cardiac condition preoperatively. Our dedicated team assesses each individual’s cardiac health to mitigate the risk of complications such as myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias during and after surgery. Through comprehensive cardiac care and tailored treatment plans, we aim to safeguard patients’ cardiovascular well-being throughout their surgical journey, ensuring the highest level of safety and optimal outcomes.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Blockages in the arteries of the heart (also known as coronary artery disease) can cause chest pain or shortness of breath and ultimately lead to heart attack/injury. It is the #1 cause of death and disability in the United States. We specialise in the accurate screening of coronary artery disease through non-invasive testing including nuclear cardiac imaging and cardiac computed tomography. Dr. Patel is an expert in non-invasive testing for CAD and is board-certified in both nuclear cardiology as well cardiac computed tomography. Confirmation of diagnosis of CAD is usually based on invasive coronary angiography via cardiac catheterization. Drs. Patel has collectively performed over 10,000 invasive cardiac procedures and is highly experienced in minimally invasive approaches to cardiac catheterization through the radial artery for superior patient comfort and safety.

Congenital Heart Disease

At Cardiology Treatment in Port Charlotte, we specialise in addressing congenital heart conditions, even those that may have gone undetected until adulthood. These conditions usually result from structural defects of the valves or walls that compartmentalise the heart and can cause an overload of the heart muscle and lead to heart failure. Treatment options include medication management and minimally invasive repair/closure of the defect (through blood vessels in the groyne) versus open heart surgery. Dr. Patel is highly experienced in the diagnosis and management of these conditions and can often repair the defects with a minimally invasive catheter-based approach without open heart surgery.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the efficiency of the heart pump is reduced, leading to fluid accumulation in various parts of the body such as leg swelling, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), etc. The causes of congestive heart failure are varied and include valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle), diastolic dysfunction (abnormal relaxation of the heart muscle) or pericardial disease (abnormality of the sac around the heart). Our physicians provide cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic services for the entire spectrum of congestive heart failure, from mild congestive symptoms to advanced heart failure and pre-transplant evaluation and management.

 Valvular Heart Disease

The heart contains four valves within it. These valves compartmentalize the heart and normally keep the blood flowing in a one-way direction. Disorders of the heart valves can cause narrowing or leakage of the valves, resulting in an overload of the heart muscle and can ultimately lead to heart failure. Accurate diagnosis of these life-threatening conditions is critical and relies on echocardiography (ultrasound imaging of the heart). Dr. Patel is highly experienced and board-certified in echocardiography, having performed and interpreted thousands of transesophageal echocardiograms including 3-dimensional imaging for intra-procedural guidance during valve repair. He also specialises in the treatment of valvular heart disease with minimally invasive repair or replacement of dysfunctional valves without open heart surgery.

Heart Rhythm Disorders
Each heartbeat is usually a result of organised electrical activity within the heart. Disturbances in this electrical activity can lead to disorders of the heart rhythm which can manifest in symptoms such as palpitations, heart racing, lightheadedness, syncope (loss of consciousness) and even sudden death. Heart rhythm abnormalities can be diagnosed through various tests including electrocardiogram (EKG), holter/event monitor (external recording device) or implanted recording devices. Treatment options include medication management, cardioversion (restoration of normal rhythm through drugs or electrical shock), pacemaker (to treat slow heart rhythms), defibrillator (to protect from fast heart rhythms) and cardiac ablation procedures. Dr. Patel is a certified cardiac device specialist with expertise in implementing and managing pacemakers and defibrillators, including advanced bi-ventricular systems which also improve the efficiency of the heart muscle pump.

Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arteries are vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to all the organs of the body other than the heart. Blockages and inflammation within these arteries can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the organ supplied by the artery. Blockages in the arteries to the brain (carotid artery disease) can cause stroke or TIA (mini-stroke). Blockages in arteries of the arms and legs can cause limb pain, ulcers and ultimately lead to amputation. Blockages in arteries of the intestines can cause abdominal discomfort after eating, food aversion and weight loss. Blockages in the kidney arteries can cause uncontrolled high blood pressure, kidney failure and swelling.

The aorta, which is the largest artery of the body, is also susceptible to dilating (aneurysm) due to inflammation and weakening of its wall. A large aneurysm of the aorta can rupture and is often fatal.

We provide accurate diagnosis of these conditions through non-invasive testing. Dr. Patel is highly skilled in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease through a minimally invasive catheter-based approach without open surgery.

Venous Disease
Veins are vessels that carry oxygen-depleted blood from all the organs back to the heart and lungs. Veins contain valves within them which allow the blood to flow against gravity back to the heart. Veins of the legs can often develop blood clots (deep venous thrombosis) which can break loose and travel to the lungs where they can be fatal. Furthermore, the valves inside leg veins can become dysfunctional, leading to reflux (backflow) of blood. This can cause abnormal vein dilation (varicose veins), leg swelling, aching, heaviness, pain and ultimately ulcers. We provide ultrasound-based testing of venous disease and treatment including medication management, compression therapy and a minimally invasive catheter-based approach to remove blood clots and close dysfunctional veins (ablation procedure).

Treatment philosophy

At Cardiology Treatment in Port Charlotte, Florida, We take pride in performing a comprehensive evaluation of each patient and formulating a treatment plan that is personalised to their unique needs. In some patients, the primary focus is on the prevention of cardiovascular illnesses while other patients with complex cardiovascular conditions require a multi-disciplinary, “Heart Team” approach to their care. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of care, our goal is always to apply the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine to help you optimise your overall health and quality of life.