Dr. Andrew Panakos, MD

About Dr. Andrew Panakos, MD

Dr. Andrew Panakos, MD is a Cardiology specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular care at his clinic in Boca Raton, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, adhering to the rigorous standards of The Florida Board of Medicine and Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Panakos is committed to ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for all his patients, regardless of age, through comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases. To confirm if he is currently accepting new patients, please call (561) 368-4444.

Dr. Andrew Panakos, MD is a cardiologist in Boca Raton, FL, with extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions. He is affiliated with both Bethesda Hospital East and Boca Raton Regional Hospital. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, reflecting his deep expertise and commitment to evidence-based medicine. Dr. Panakos strives to provide patient education, collaborative decision-making, and a supportive environment to empower patients in their health journey. He prioritizes a patient-centric approach, ensuring that each patient feels understood and reassured throughout their care. Dr. Andrew Panakos provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Andrew Panakos addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Mitral Valve Stenosis: The mitral valve in your heart controls blood flow between its upper and lower left chambers; in mitral valve stenosis, this valve is narrowed, hindering blood flow.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease of Extremities: Peripheral artery disease affects blood flow to your limbs, potentially causing pain, numbness, or cramping, especially with activity.
• Syncope: Fainting, or syncope, happens when blood supply to your brain briefly stops, causing you to pass out.
• Coronary Vessel Malformation: A coronary vessel malformation is a birth defect affecting the arteries that carry blood to the heart, potentially causing blockages or other issues.
• Granulomatosis: Granulomatosis is a condition where inflammation causes the formation of small, abnormal collections of immune cells in various parts of the body.
• Nonrheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Your heart's mitral valve may have nonrheumatic stenosis, meaning it's narrowed and doesn't allow blood to pass through easily, unlike cases caused by rheumatic fever.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Acute coronary syndrome is a sudden heart problem caused by a blockage in one of the heart's arteries.
• Heart Palpitations: Heart palpitations are a feeling of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heart.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A PFO is a flap-like opening between the two upper chambers of the heart that may not close completely after birth.
• Hypertensive Heart without Failure: High blood pressure is affecting your heart, but your heart isn't failing to pump blood effectively.
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease involves various conditions affecting the valve's ability to regulate blood flow effectively, potentially leading to heart failure if left untreated.

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

• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging uses a special scan to show how well blood flows to your heart muscle.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion uses a controlled electric shock to correct an irregular heartbeat, like atrial fibrillation or flutter.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): A catheter with a tiny balloon is guided through a blood vessel to the heart during PCI to unblock arteries and restore blood flow.
• Impella Device: An Impella device is a small pump that helps your heart pump blood throughout your body.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation (TAVR/TAVI): For patients with severe aortic stenosis, TAVR/TAVI offers an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, using a catheter to implant a new valve.
• Arterial Catheterization with Robotic Assist: This service uses a robotic system to guide a thin tube into an artery, allowing for precise diagnosis and treatment of heart and blood vessel conditions.
• Thrombolysis: Thrombolysis uses special medications to break up dangerous blood clots, restoring blood flow to your heart or brain.
• Valve Repair or Replacement (Aortic: This service provides care for aortic valve repair or replacement procedures.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: Robotic assistance improves the accuracy and precision of cardiac catheterization, a procedure to diagnose and treat heart disease.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: Doctors use a cardiac MRI to assess the size, shape, and function of your heart and to detect any abnormalities in the heart or great vessels.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: Peripheral artery catheterization is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into an artery in your leg or arm to check blood flow and obtain blood samples.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid buildup around your lungs.

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

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. Our cardiologists are experts in these conditions.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Andrew Panakos?

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

Does Dr. Andrew Panakos accept my insurance?

Dr. Panakos's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly to confirm your specific insurance coverage for consultations and procedures.

What is the difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator (ICD)?

A pacemaker helps regulate slow heartbeats by sending electrical signals to the heart. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) monitors for dangerously fast heartbeats and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm.

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 an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart, allowing your cardiologist to assess its size, shape, and pumping function, as well as the health of its valves.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Panakos and our team of cardiologists frequently treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). We manage risk factors and perform procedures like angiography and stenting to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like leg pain.

What is a cardiac ablation?

A cardiac ablation is a procedure used to treat heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). It involves using catheters to deliver energy (heat or cold) to small areas of heart tissue causing the irregular rhythm, correcting the electrical signals.