Dr. Francis Lauro, DO

About Dr. Francis Lauro, DO

Dr. Francis Lauro, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at our Pensacola, 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). He is committed to ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for all ages, and I provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases. Dr. Lauro is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (448) 227-6500 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Francis Lauro, DO is a cardiologist in Pensacola, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Southwest College Of Naturopathic Medicinehealth Sciences in 1991 and is affiliated with medical facilities such as Gulf Breeze Hospital and Baptist Hospital. Dr. Lauro is deeply committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for all patients. He strives to provide the best possible care, and while his primary language for consultations is English, he understands the importance of effective communication and strives to be accessible to patients.

Dr. Lauro's dedication to his patients extends beyond his extensive experience. He prioritizes patient education and actively involves patients in their care decisions. With a focus on preventative care and a compassionate approach, Dr. Lauro is passionate about helping his patients achieve and maintain optimal heart health. He is accepting new patients, so please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Francis Lauro addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Orthostatic Hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where blood pressure drops significantly when you stand up, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, and can be dangerous if it travels to the lungs.
• Mitral and Aortic Valve Disorder: Problems with the mitral and aortic valves, vital for blood flow regulation, constitute a mitral and aortic valve disorder.
• Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
• Congenital Heart Defects: A congenital heart defect is a structural abnormality of the heart that's present from birth.
• Chest Pain: If you have chest pain, it's crucial to describe its location, severity, and any associated symptoms to your doctor.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure, excluding cases related to pregnancy.
• Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Aortic valve regurgitation is a condition where the aortic valve doesn't close completely, allowing blood to leak back into the heart.
• Atherosclerosis of Aorta: The aorta, your body's main artery, has a hardening and narrowing due to plaque buildup, a condition called atherosclerosis.
• Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy involves damage to the heart muscle, which can result in shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.
• Heart Palpitations: Heart palpitations are a feeling of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia means you have high levels of cholesterol and/or other fats in your blood.

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

• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware is an online tool that helps you assess your risk of developing heart disease.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): A cardiac catheterization is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into a blood vessel to examine the heart and blood vessels.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed picture of your heart and lungs using a CT scan of your chest.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography help doctors visualize blood vessels and measure blood flow, aiding in the diagnosis of circulatory issues.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test uses medication and a radioactive tracer to show how well your heart works during exercise.
• 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.
• TCD Bubble Test: This test uses ultrasound to check blood flow in your brain's arteries.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Our cardiovascular service provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for chest pain.
• Pharmacologic Stress Test: This test uses medicine to simulate exercise and evaluate your heart's response to stress.
• 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.
• 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a painless test that uses small sensors on your skin to record your heart's electrical signals, providing a visual representation of your heartbeat.

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

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. Francis Lauro?

Your first visit with Dr. Lauro 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. Francis Lauro accept my insurance?

Dr. Lauro'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 an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart. Sound waves create moving pictures, allowing your cardiologist to assess the heart's size, shape, pumping function, and valve health.

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.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Lauro and our team of cardiologists often treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which involves blockages in the leg arteries. We manage risk factors and perform procedures like angiography and stenting to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like leg pain.

How does Dr. Francis Lauro treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Lauro's approach to high blood pressure involves a comprehensive strategy. This includes personalized lifestyle counseling regarding diet, exercise, and stress reduction, as well as prescribing medications if needed. The goal is to achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure to prevent potential future health problems.

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.