Dr. Bashar Saikaly, MD

About Dr. Bashar Saikaly, MD

Dr. Bashar Saikaly, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in St. Augustine, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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 (904) 794-7050 to schedule.

Dr. Bashar Saikaly, MD is a cardiologist in St. Augustine, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having dedicated his career to cardiovascular care. Dr. Saikaly has extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions and is affiliated with UF Health Flagler Hospital. He earned his medical degree from University Of Phoenix, Northern California Campus in 1997 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for each patient. Dr. Saikaly offers consultations in Arabic.

He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Bashar Saikaly addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia means you have high levels of cholesterol and/or other fats in your blood.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure, excluding cases during pregnancy.
• Second Degree Heart Block: Second-degree heart block is a type of heart rhythm problem where the heart's electrical signals aren't properly relayed, causing some heartbeats to be skipped.
• Pulmonary Valve Disease: Pulmonary valve disease can be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life.
• Acute Congestive Heart Failure: A sudden worsening of your heart's ability to pump blood, resulting in fluid congestion in the lungs and body, is called acute congestive heart failure.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease refers to conditions affecting the heart's structure or function.
• Heart Murmur: A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat.
• Typical Atrial Flutter: Typical atrial flutter is a type of heart rhythm problem where the heart's upper chambers beat too fast and irregularly.
• Septal Defect: Depending on the location and size, septal defects may require medical or surgical intervention.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a disease where a fatty substance called plaque forms inside artery walls, potentially leading to heart attack or stroke.
• Hypertensive Heart with Failure: Your heart is weakened and struggling to pump blood effectively due to high blood pressure.
• Peripheral Edema: Peripheral edema is swelling in the body's extremities, often in the legs and feet.

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

• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging uses special technology like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to create pictures of your heart and blood vessels.
• Stress Test: This stress test evaluates your heart's response to exertion.
• TCD Bubble Test: This test uses ultrasound to check blood flow in your brain's arteries.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Myocardial perfusion imaging is a type of heart scan that helps doctors identify areas of your heart that might be damaged due to poor blood supply.
• 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.
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin to help regulate your heartbeat if it's too slow or irregular.
• Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: To improve my heart rhythm, a lead was put into the left ventricle of my heart to connect to my cardiac device.
• Coronary Angiogram: Coronary angiography is a heart procedure that uses X-rays and a special dye to assess the health of your heart's blood vessels and identify any narrowing or blockages.
• Treadmill Stress Test: A treadmill stress test helps doctors evaluate your heart's ability to handle physical activity and identify potential cardiovascular issues.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): This screening assesses whether you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition affecting blood circulation in your extremities.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: This involves checks and procedures to repair or manage problems with the physical shape or function of the heart.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This test uses medicine to increase your heart rate and a special dye to create images of your heart's blood flow, helping doctors assess its health.

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

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. Bashar Saikaly?

Your first visit with Dr. Saikaly 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. Bashar Saikaly accept my insurance?

Dr. Saikaly's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm your specific coverage, please call our office directly and provide your insurance information. This will ensure accurate details for consultations and any potential procedures.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

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

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

Evaluating fainting involves a thorough investigation, including electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors. This helps us rule out any serious cardiac causes and determine the specific reason for the fainting spells to ensure your safety.

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. This helps restore a normal heart 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. Sound waves create moving pictures, allowing your cardiologist to assess your heart's size, shape, pumping function, and valve health.