Dr. Christos Pitarys, MD

About Dr. Christos Pitarys, MD

Dr. Christos Pitarys, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at our clinic in New Port Richey, FL. He is deeply committed 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), Dr. Pitarys is dedicated to ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for all of his patients. He provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases. He is currently welcoming new patients, and they should call (727) 428-9584 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Pitarys's dedication to patient care stems from his extensive experience and advanced training. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Dartmouth College in 1984 and completed an internship, gaining foundational clinical experience at Case Western Reserve University. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Cardiology at Case Western Reserve University, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Vanderbilt University, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He 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. His impressive certifications and experience include appointments as Director Cardiac Cath Lab at Community Hospital (1992-1998), Medical Director of Harborside Health Care, and Chief of Medicine at Community Hospital, New Port Richey (2001-2003). He is fluent in Greek and also offers consultations in Spanish.

Dr. Pitarys's practice, West Florida Cardiology Consultants, has been a cornerstone of cardiovascular care in the Sunshine State for three decades. We specialize in general and interventional cardiology, and our team of board-certified physicians also provides expertise in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, vascular medicine, nuclear cardiology, peripheral vessel ultrasound, and echocardiography. We also manage and monitor pacemakers and defibrillators. Dr. Pitarys's commitment to comprehensive care, coupled with his deep understanding of cardiovascular health, makes him a trusted resource for patients of all ages seeking expert care.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Christos Pitarys addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Constrictive Pericarditis: Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by a stiff pericardium, which limits the heart's ability to fill with blood properly, leading to reduced blood flow.
• Peripheral Edema: Peripheral edema is swelling in the body's tissues, often in the legs and feet.
• First Degree Heart Block: It's a slow conduction of the electrical impulse through the heart, resulting in a slightly prolonged time between your heartbeat's components.
• Arteriovenous Fistula: An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein.
• Third Degree Heart Block: In third-degree heart block, the electrical signals that coordinate your heartbeat are completely blocked, leading to an irregular and often slow pulse.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Tricuspid valve disease refers to problems with the valve in your heart that controls blood flow between the heart's right atrium and right ventricle.
• Lipid Disorders: High cholesterol or high triglycerides are examples of lipid disorders that can damage your blood vessels and heart.
• Long QT Syndrome: Long QT syndrome is a heart condition that can cause irregular heartbeats, potentially leading to fainting or seizures.
• Atypical Atrial Flutter: Atypical atrial flutter is a less common form of atrial flutter, characterized by an irregular and rapid heartbeat in the heart's atria.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic pulmonary heart diseases encompass a group of heart problems stemming from chronic lung illnesses, often manifesting as elevated pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs.
• Postpartum Cardiomyopathy: Postpartum cardiomyopathy is a rare but serious heart complication that can occur in the weeks or months following pregnancy and delivery.
• Prinzmetal Angina: Prinzmetal angina is a type of chest pain caused by temporary spasms in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.

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

• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed scan of your chest, heart, and lungs using a CT scan.
• Arterial Catheterization with Robotic Assist: This service uses a robotic system to guide a catheter into your arteries for diagnosis and treatment.
• Mitral Valve Repair: During mitral valve repair, a surgeon corrects problems with the mitral valve to restore its proper function.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: Cardiac catheterization with robotic assist uses a thin, flexible tube and a robot to help doctors visualize and treat heart problems.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked heart arteries using a catheter and balloon.
• Impella Device: An Impella device is a small pump that helps your heart pump blood throughout your body.
• 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.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can be treated with ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that corrects the heart's electrical signals.
• 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 Ultrasound: Doctors use a cardiac ultrasound to diagnose various heart conditions, such as valve problems or heart muscle issues.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel to check for narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart.
• Angioplasty: This procedure uses a thin, flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon to open up arteries and reduce chest pain.

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

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. Christos Pitarys?

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

Does Dr. Christos Pitarys accept my insurance?

Insurance plan acceptance can vary. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage for consultations and any potential procedures.

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.

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.

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 evaluate the heart's size, shape, pumping ability, and valve health.

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 us to identify blockages.

I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). What are the treatment options?

Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) focuses on controlling your heart rate, restoring a regular rhythm, and preventing blood clots. Options include medications, cardioversion procedures, and, in some cases, advanced procedures like catheter ablation. The best approach is tailored to your individual situation.