Dr. Brian Akrami, DO

About Dr. Brian Akrami, DO

Dr. Brian Akrami, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at HCA Florida St. Lucie Medical Specialists in Port St. Lucie, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients; please call (772) 621-5271 to schedule.

Brian Akrami, DO, is a seasoned Cardiologist with over 25 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. After earning his medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1999, he completed residency training in Cardiology at University Of Illinois, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages. Further specializing in a specific area of patient health, he pursued fellowship training at St. John Hospital. This extensive training, including his residency in Internal Medicine at Christ Hospital and fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine at Midwestern University, both in Illinois, has equipped him with the expertise needed to provide exceptional care. He is Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Akrami's approach to medicine is deeply patient-centered. He believes that medicine is a vocation through which he has the privilege to serve others. His goal is to partner with patients, providing the best quality care options including evidence-based medicine, empowering them to make informed choices without pressure or judgment. He is committed to creating a supportive and collaborative environment for every patient, and offers consultations in Spanish.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Brian Akrami addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD affects the blood vessels that provide blood to your heart; this reduced blood flow can cause various heart problems.
• Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Rheumatic mitral stenosis is a heart condition where a previous strep infection damaged the mitral valve, leading to its narrowing.
• Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias refer to any condition where your heart beats irregularly, either too fast or too slow.
• Second Degree Heart Block: A second-degree heart block means your heart's natural pacemaker isn't sending signals to the lower chambers consistently, resulting in a slower heart rate.
• Sinus Bradycardia: A slow heart rate, or sinus bradycardia, occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker doesn't generate electrical impulses frequently enough.
• Hypertensive Heart without Failure: You have high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your heart, but it's not yet causing heart failure.
• 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.
• Heart Palpitations: Heart palpitations are a feeling of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heart.
• Type 2 Heart Block - Mobitz: A Mobitz type 2 heart block means the electrical signals in your heart are delayed or blocked, leading to a slower than normal heart rate and potential symptoms.
• Septal Defect: Depending on the location and size, septal defects may require medical or surgical intervention.
• Lipidoses (incl. Gaucher Disease): Lipidoses, like Gaucher disease, are conditions where certain fats build up in the body's organs and tissues.
• Septic Embolism: Septic emboli are blood clots infected with bacteria that travel from an infection site and lodge in blood vessels, potentially causing organ damage.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Brian Akrami 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. Brian Akrami 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.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed X-ray image of your chest, heart, and lungs.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: A small battery-powered device, the ICD, is implanted under the skin to prevent sudden cardiac death by monitoring and correcting irregular heart rhythms.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): PCI, also known as angioplasty, uses a balloon to open narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart, often followed by placement of a stent.
• Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Insertion: This service provides implantation of devices to help regulate your heart rhythm.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a quick and non-invasive way to assess the health of your heart muscle and electrical conduction system.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from around your lungs.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: Using robotic technology, doctors can access and treat areas within the heart via cardiac catheterization more effectively and less invasively.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Cardiac ultrasound provides detailed pictures of your heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow.
• Tilt_Testing: If you experience unexplained fainting or dizziness, a tilt table test may be used to see if a change in blood pressure or heart rate when you stand is to blame.
• Angioplasty: Angioplasty helps improve blood flow to the heart by widening narrowed arteries, often restoring normal heart function.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Cardiac catheterization helps doctors assess the health of your heart and blood vessels, often revealing blockages or other problems.

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

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. Brian Akrami?

Your first visit with Dr. Akrami will involve a detailed discussion 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 recommended depending on your specific needs.

Does Dr. Brian Akrami accept my insurance?

Dr. Akrami'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 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 the artery open, restore blood flow to the heart muscle, and relieve symptoms like chest pain.

Does Dr. Brian Akrami perform bypass surgery (CABG)?

Dr. Akrami, as a cardiologist, diagnoses coronary artery disease and performs procedures like stenting. If bypass surgery is needed, he will refer you to a qualified cardiothoracic surgeon and work closely with them throughout your care.

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

A pacemaker treats slow heart rhythms by sending signals to regulate the heartbeat, while an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) monitors for dangerously fast rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal heart rate.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Akrami and our team 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.

Why do I need to wear a Holter or event monitor?

A Holter or event monitor is a small, portable EKG device worn for a period of one or more days to record your heart's rhythm during normal daily activities. This helps us detect any unusual heartbeats, or arrhythmias, that might not be present during a brief in-office EKG.