Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh, MD

About Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh, MD

Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at our Fort Myers, FL clinic, 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. I serve all ages, and am currently welcoming new patients. Please call (239) 343-9700 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh, MD is a cardiologist in Fort Myers, FL, with extensive experience in Heart Conditions and Adult Congenital Heart Conditions. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. El-Dabh is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. My approach to care is rooted in evidence-based medicine, and I prioritize patient education and collaborative decision-making to create a supportive and reassuring environment for each patient. Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Systolic Heart Failure: With systolic heart failure, the squeezing action of your heart is weakened, leading to poor blood circulation.
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD: Peripheral vascular disease (PAD) is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain.
• Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Rheumatic fever, a complication of strep throat, can lead to rheumatic mitral stenosis, which restricts blood flow through the heart.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Having both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease increases your risk of heart problems.
• Infective Endocarditis: This infection can damage the heart valves and lead to serious complications if left untreated.
• Hypertensive Heart without Failure: Your heart is working harder due to elevated blood pressure, but it's still managing to pump blood adequately.
• Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: Chronic congestive heart failure is a long-term condition where your heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.
• Noninfective Endocarditis: Noninfective endocarditis is a heart condition where the valves or inner lining of the heart become inflamed, but it's not caused by an infection.
• 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.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to your heart, reducing blood flow.
• Obesity: Obesity is a condition where excess body fat accumulates, increasing the risk of health problems.
• Diabetes Type 2: Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your body doesn't use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.

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

• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Cardiac catheterization helps doctors assess the health of your heart and blood vessels, often revealing blockages or other problems.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: This non-invasive imaging test uses magnetic fields to create pictures of your heart and surrounding chest area, helping to diagnose a range of cardiac issues.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: A cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging scan uses radioactive tracers to assess blood flow to your heart muscle, helping detect blockages.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Doctors use a cardiac ultrasound to diagnose various heart conditions, such as valve problems or heart muscle issues.
• Cardioversion: If your heart is beating too fast or irregularly, cardioversion can help reset it to a normal rhythm.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed X-ray picture of your chest, heart, and lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a painless test that uses small sensors on your skin to record your heart's electrical signals, providing a visual representation of your heartbeat.
• Tilt_Testing: Tilt table testing is a procedure that monitors your heart rate and blood pressure while slowly changing your body position to see if you have a condition called neurally mediated syncope.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: This imaging and blood flow assessment technique, combining ultrasound and pressure measurements, helps find problems in your arteries and veins that may affect circulation.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh. 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. Ashraf El-Dabh:

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. They are experts in conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh?

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

Does Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh accept my insurance?

Dr. El-Dabh'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.

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.

How does Dr. Ashraf El-Dabh treat heart valve disease?

Dr. El-Dabh approaches heart valve disease with a personalized plan, ranging from regular monitoring for mild cases to medication management. For severe cases, he coordinates care with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist for procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR). This collaborative approach ensures the best possible outcome for each patient.

What is a cardiac ablation?

A cardiac ablation is a procedure used to treat heart rhythm problems. It involves using catheters to deliver energy to specific areas of the heart causing the irregular rhythm, correcting the electrical signals and restoring a normal heart beat.

I've had fainting spells. How do you determine the cause?

Evaluating fainting spells, or syncope, involves a thorough investigation to rule out any serious cardiac causes. We utilize a combination of tests, including EKGs, echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors, to pinpoint the underlying reason for the episodes and ensure your safety.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. It involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while connected to an EKG machine. This helps diagnose coronary artery disease and assess heart function under strain.