Dr. David Smith, MD

About Dr. David Smith, MD

Dr. David Smith, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL, 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 (850) 216-0100 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. David Smith, MD is a cardiologist in Tallahassee, FL, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1983 and completed an internship at Emory University in 1984. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Cardiology at Emory University, graduating in 1989. 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 is affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. David Smith provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. David Smith addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure, excluding cases during pregnancy.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: With pulmonary hypertension, your heart works harder to pump blood through your lungs because the blood vessels are constricted.
• Cardiomegaly: Cardiomegaly is a condition where the heart muscle is thickened or enlarged.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: With sick sinus syndrome, your heart's electrical system doesn't send out signals consistently, resulting in an abnormal heart rhythm.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where your blood pressure drops suddenly when you stand up, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: In chronic congestive heart failure, the heart's pumping action is impaired, causing a backup of blood and fluid, leading to various symptoms.
• Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Aortic valve regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve doesn't close completely, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Rheumatic heart disease affecting the aortic valve can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and other cardiovascular symptoms.
• Unstable Angina: Unstable angina is chest pain that's worsening or happening more often, suggesting a serious heart problem.
• Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): ITP is a condition where your body mistakenly attacks and destroys your blood platelets, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.
• Third Degree Heart Block: Third-degree heart block is a serious heart rhythm problem where the heart's upper and lower chambers beat independently, causing a slow heart rate.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease of Extremities: Peripheral artery disease affects blood flow to your limbs, potentially causing pain, numbness, or cramping, especially during activity.

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

• Nuclear Stress Testing: A nuclear stress test combines a nuclear scan with exercise or medication to create images of your heart, showing how well it's functioning under stress.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test assesses your heart's response to physical exertion by tracking its rhythm and blood flow.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Our cardiovascular service provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for chest pain.
• Cardiac Imaging: Various types of cardiac imaging, such as echocardiograms and CT scans, help doctors make a diagnosis and plan treatment.
• Arrhythmia Screening: It's a way to find potential heart rhythm problems early on, before symptoms arise.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): It's a check-up to see if you have PAD, a condition that limits blood flow to your arms and legs, sometimes leading to pain and discomfort.
• Carotid Artery Stent Placement: This procedure involves placing a supportive wire mesh tube (stent) inside a narrowed carotid artery to keep it open.
• Pharmacologic Stress Test: This service evaluates your heart's response to medicine, helping doctors assess your heart health.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: A robotic system assists doctors in performing a cardiac catheterization, a minimally invasive procedure to examine and treat blood vessels and heart chambers.
• Stress Test: This stress test evaluates your heart's response to exertion.
• Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Insertion: This service involves placing a device to help regulate your heart rhythm.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This chest CT scan examines your heart and lungs for potential problems.

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

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 provide expert care for a wide range of heart conditions.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. David Smith?

Your first visit with Dr. Smith 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. David Smith accept my insurance?

Dr. Smith'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 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 rapid, potentially dangerous heart rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal heart rate.

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

Evaluating fainting involves a thorough investigation to rule out any serious cardiac causes. We use various tests, including EKGs, echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors, to pinpoint the underlying reason and ensure your safety.

Does Dr. David Smith perform bypass surgery (CABG)?

Dr. Smith, as a cardiologist, diagnoses coronary artery disease and performs non-surgical interventions. If bypass surgery (CABG) is necessary, he will refer you to a qualified cardiothoracic surgeon and work closely with them throughout your care.

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

A Holter or event monitor is a portable EKG device worn for one or more days to record your heart's rhythm during normal daily activities. This helps us detect any irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) that might not show up during a standard office EKG.

What does a heart failure diagnosis mean?

A heart failure diagnosis means your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should. This is treatable, and we'll work together on a plan combining lifestyle changes and medications to improve your heart function, reduce symptoms, and enhance your quality of life.