Dr. Alexandra Lucas, MD

About Dr. Alexandra Lucas, MD

Dr. Alexandra Lucas, MD is a Cardiology specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular care at her Gainesville, FL clinic. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). I provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for my patients. I serve all ages. Currently, I am not accepting new patients, but you can call (352) 265-0457 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Lucas brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her experience includes practicing interventional cardiology and general cardiology, and she is board certified in internal medicine. She has practiced extensively in the US at the University of Florida and in Canada at the Universities of Alberta and Western Ontario. A member of the American College of Cardiology and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Dr. Lucas received her medical degree from Lester E Cox Medical Center, Burge School Of Nursing in 1987, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, followed by a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Alberta and a research fellowship at Tufts NEMC in Boston. She's also engaged in basic research at ASU's Personalized Diagnostics Center at ASO Biodesign Institute. Dr. Lucas is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and providing a supportive, reassuring environment for patients. Dr. Alexandra Lucas provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Alexandra Lucas addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD affects the blood vessels that provide blood to your heart; this reduced blood flow can cause various heart problems.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): An enlarged prostate can cause difficulty urinating.
• Congestive Heart Failure: CHF is a condition where your heart is weakened and struggles to effectively circulate blood throughout your body.
• Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: A blood clot in a vein, often in the leg, can cause pain, swelling, and redness.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition where the cartilage in your hip joint wears down, causing pain and stiffness.
• Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy involves damage to the heart muscle, which can result in shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.
• Muscle Cramping: Muscle cramping can be a symptom of various conditions, including those affecting the heart and blood vessels.
• Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Aortic valve regurgitation is a condition where the aortic valve doesn't close completely, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart.
• Anxiety: Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is persistent discomfort that lasts for a significant amount of time.
• Aneurysm: An aneurysm is a bulge or weakness in a blood vessel wall, potentially leading to a rupture.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Alexandra Lucas addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Cardiology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Cardiovascular Services Provided

Dr. Alexandra Lucas offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: A cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging scan uses radioactive tracers to assess blood flow to your heart muscle, helping detect blockages.
• Tilt_Testing: During a tilt table test, you'll lie on a table that gradually tilts upright, allowing doctors to observe your body's response to changes in blood flow and identify potential causes of fainting or dizziness.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This test uses ultrasound technology to check the size, shape, and function of your heart.
• Tilt Table Testing: This non-invasive test helps doctors identify if changes in blood flow, such as those related to neurally mediated syncope, are causing your symptoms.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: Nuclear stress testing uses a small amount of radioactive material and an exercise test or medication to show how well your heart is working during stress.
• Treadmill Stress Test: During a treadmill stress test, your heart's activity is tracked as you exercise to detect any abnormalities like blockages in your coronary arteries.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging provides detailed images of your heart to help diagnose problems such as blockages or heart valve issues.
• Cholesterol Screening: This service helps check your cholesterol levels to assess your heart health.
• Pharmacologic Stress Test: This test uses medicine to simulate exercise and evaluate your heart's response to stress.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: If you have a heart condition related to the physical structure of your heart, this covers its diagnosis and treatment.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test monitors your heart's function during exercise to check for blockages or other issues.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that measures the electrical activity of your heart to check for rhythm problems and other heart conditions.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Alexandra Lucas. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Cardiology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Cardiology in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Alexandra Lucas:

What is a Cardiologist?

Dr. Alexandra Lucas and her team are cardiologists, medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Alexandra Lucas?

Your first visit with Dr. Lucas will include a detailed review of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam and electrocardiogram (EKG) are standard. Further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be discussed based on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Alexandra Lucas accept my insurance?

Dr. Lucas's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm your specific coverage for consultations and procedures, please call our office directly with your insurance information.

Does Dr. Alexandra Lucas perform bypass surgery (CABG)?

Dr. Lucas, as a cardiologist, diagnoses and manages coronary artery disease, performing procedures like stenting. If bypass surgery (CABG) is necessary, she will refer you to a qualified cardiothoracic surgeon and work closely with them throughout your care.

I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). What are the treatment options?

Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) focuses on controlling your heart rate, restoring a normal rhythm, and preventing blood clots. Options include medication, cardioversion procedures, and advanced techniques like catheter ablation. The best approach is tailored to your individual situation.

What is a stent and why would I need one?

A stent is a tiny, expandable mesh tube placed inside a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to prop it open, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle and relieving symptoms like chest pain.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

Treatment for high cholesterol often starts with dietary changes and increased physical activity. If lifestyle modifications aren't sufficient, Dr. Alexandra Lucas may prescribe medications like statins to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

What is a cardiac catheterization or angiogram?

Cardiac catheterization, or angiogram, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. A thin tube (catheter) is guided to the heart to measure pressures and visualize the coronary arteries with dye, allowing for identification of any blockages.