Dr. Alfonso Tolentino, MD

About Dr. Alfonso Tolentino, MD

Dr. Alfonso Tolentino, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Miami Beach, FL, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (305) 674-2690 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Alfonso Tolentino, MD is a cardiologist in Miami Beach, FL, affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Tolentino's extensive training and experience are a testament to his commitment to patient well-being. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including an internship at University Of The East/Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (graduated 1967), followed by residency training in Cardiology at Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Internal Medicine (graduated 1974), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Mount Sinai Medical Center, Cardiology Fellow (graduated 1976), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. I believe that earning the trust of patients by providing them with current information regarding the nature of their illness is of utmost importance in achieving the goals of treatment. Dr. Tolentino is fluent in Spanish and also offers consultations in Tagalog.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Alfonso Tolentino addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Peripheral Arterial Disease of Extremities: Peripheral artery disease affects blood flow to your limbs, potentially causing pain, numbness, or cramping, especially during activity.
• Headache: A headache is a common pain in the head, often described as a throbbing or aching sensation.
• Lipid Disorders: High cholesterol or high triglycerides are examples of lipid disorders that can damage your blood vessels and heart.
• Syncope: Syncope is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, often caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
• Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs, often causing a cough.
• Subacute Endocarditis: Subacute endocarditis is a relatively slow-onset infection of the heart's inner layer, typically caused by low-virulence bacteria and manifesting subtly.
• Heart Palpitations: Heart palpitations are a sensation of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.
• Heart Attack (STEMI): A STEMI is a life-threatening heart attack characterized by a complete blockage of a major coronary artery, resulting in severe and immediate damage to the heart muscle.
• Indigestion: Indigestion is a feeling of discomfort or pain in your upper stomach, often described as burning or fullness.
• Aneurysm: An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that can weaken and potentially rupture.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern is an electrocardiogram (ECG) finding that shows an extra electrical pathway in the heart, causing a rapid heartbeat.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure, excluding cases during pregnancy.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Alfonso Tolentino 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 he 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. Alfonso Tolentino offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
• Pharmacologic Stress Test: This test uses medicine to simulate exercise and evaluate your heart's response to exertion.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a medical procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This test checks your stool for hidden blood, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware is an online tool that helps you assess your risk of developing heart disease.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): PAD screening involves simple tests to identify reduced blood flow to your legs and feet, potentially caused by plaque buildup in the arteries.
• 24-Hour Ambulatory Electrocardiogram: This test uses a small, wearable device to record your heart's activity continuously for 24 hours, helping to detect irregular heartbeats.
• Interpretation of Electrocardiograms: This involves analyzing the waveforms on your electrocardiogram to assess your heart's health and function.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Our cardiovascular service evaluates chest pain to determine its cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: This refers to assessments and treatments for problems with the heart's structure, such as valve issues or defects in the heart chambers.
• Interpretation of Exercise Stress Tests: Your doctor uses this interpretation to understand whether your heart functions normally under stress, aiding in the diagnosis of heart disease.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a peripheral artery to measure blood pressure, obtain blood gases, or administer medications directly into your bloodstream.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Alfonso Tolentino. 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. Alfonso Tolentino:

What is a Cardiologist?

Dr. Tolentino and our team of cardiologists are medical doctors specializing in the heart and blood vessels. We diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. Our expertise is dedicated to your heart health.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Alfonso Tolentino?

Your first visit with Dr. Tolentino will involve a detailed review of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam will follow, often including an electrocardiogram (EKG). Further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be recommended based on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Alfonso Tolentino accept my insurance?

Dr. Tolentino'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.

How does Dr. Alfonso Tolentino treat heart valve disease?

Dr. Tolentino's approach to heart valve disease varies depending on the severity. Mild cases may be managed with regular monitoring and medication. For more severe cases, he coordinates care with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist for procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR).

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Tolentino and our team of cardiologists often treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which involves blockages in leg arteries. We manage risk factors and perform procedures like angiography and stenting to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms like leg pain.

What does a heart failure diagnosis mean?

A heart failure diagnosis means your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should. This is manageable with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and enhance your quality of life.

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 identification of blockages.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

High cholesterol management often starts with dietary changes and increased physical activity. When lifestyle modifications are insufficient, Dr. Tolentino may prescribe medications, such as statins, to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.