Dr. Felix Hernandez, MD

About Dr. Felix Hernandez, MD

Dr. Felix Hernandez, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at our St. Petersburg, 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 323-0757 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Felix Hernandez, MD is a cardiologist in St. Petersburg, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Chiropractic Institute Of New York in 2005 and 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. With over 15 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 medical facilities such as Fairview Hospital and Benefis East Campus. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Hernandez's care philosophy centers on treating one person at a time, restoring health with God's help, and preventing disease in a caring atmosphere. He is fluent in Portuguese and also offers consultations in Spanish.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Felix Hernandez addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Peripheral Arterial Disease of Extremities: Peripheral artery disease affects blood flow to your arms and legs, potentially causing pain, numbness, or cramping.
• Earwax Buildup: Earwax buildup can cause hearing loss and discomfort.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic lung diseases can cause the heart to work harder and sometimes result in a condition called chronic pulmonary heart disease, including increased pulmonary artery pressure.
• Acidosis: Acidosis is a condition where your body has too much acid.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and fluid buildup.
• Enteritis: Enteritis is inflammation of the intestines.
• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heartbeat originating from the lower chambers of the heart.
• Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, often occurring after eating.
• Polymyositis: Polymyositis is a condition causing muscle weakness and inflammation throughout the body.
• Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a lack of sufficient water.
• Otitis Media: Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear.
• Venous Insufficiency: Venous insufficiency is a condition where the blood vessels in your legs aren't functioning well, causing blood to build up and leading to symptoms like leg heaviness and swelling.

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

• TCD Bubble Test: This test uses ultrasound to check blood flow in the arteries in your neck.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This imaging test helps doctors see if there are any areas of your heart muscle that aren't getting enough blood.
• 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.
• Coronary Angiogram: During a coronary angiogram, a thin tube is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin or wrist, to inject dye and obtain images of your coronary arteries.
• Vaccination: Our vaccination service provides protection against various diseases through safe and effective immunizations.
• 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.
• Treadmill Stress Test: A treadmill stress test is an exercise test that monitors your heart's response to physical exertion to help diagnose heart problems.
• 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.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: This test uses nuclear imaging to assess blood flow to your heart muscle while you exercise or receive medication to increase your heart rate.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test uses medication and a radioactive tracer to show how well your heart works during exercise.
• Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Insertion: This service helps manage heart rhythm problems by implanting a device to regulate your heartbeats.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware is an online tool that helps you assess your risk of developing heart disease.

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

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 team of cardiologists provides comprehensive care for all your heart health needs.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Felix Hernandez?

Your first visit with Dr. Hernandez will involve a detailed review of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam and electrocardiogram (EKG) are typical, and further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be discussed depending on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Felix Hernandez accept my insurance?

Dr. Hernandez's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm your specific coverage for consultations and procedures, please call the office directly with your insurance information.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart performs 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.

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 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 irregular rhythms, correcting the electrical signals. This helps restore a normal heart rhythm.

What does a heart failure diagnosis mean?

A heart failure diagnosis means your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should. It's not a sudden, catastrophic event, but rather a condition that can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. These help improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and enhance your overall well-being.

How does Dr. Felix Hernandez treat heart valve disease?

Dr. Hernandez approaches valvular heart disease with a personalized strategy, ranging from regular monitoring for mild cases to medication management for more moderate conditions. For severe cases, he coordinates care with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist for procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR).