Dr. Helen Preston, MD

About Dr. Helen Preston, MD

Dr. Helen Preston, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at her Crestview, FL clinic, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care. She 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) 398-5922 to schedule an appointment.

With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Preston provides the highest standard of comprehensive, compassionate, and up-to-date care for patients suffering from both cardiovascular and sleep disorders. Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, and Sleep Medicine, she completed her rigorous medical training, including an internship, residency, and fellowship at the University of Kentucky, graduating Suma Cum Laude. This extensive training, encompassing foundational clinical experience at University Of Kentucky Hospital, followed by residency in Cardiology and specialized fellowship training, has equipped her with the expertise to provide comprehensive medical care for all ages. She is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She continues with certification and updates in all boards. My highest honor is my patients trusting me with their health care needs. My patients are my number one priority. I strive to provide the best care by listening to their needs and understanding them personally to achieve the best quality of life for them. I never forget that everyone deserves care with dignity, respect, and empathy. Dr. Helen Preston provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Helen Preston addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: Congenital aortic valve disorders are heart valve problems a person is born with, affecting the aortic valve's ability to open and close properly.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): A weakened area in the large blood vessel (aorta) in your abdomen forms an abdominal aortic aneurysm, posing a risk of rupture.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should, leading to shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Congenital Heart Disease: Congenital heart disease encompasses a range of heart problems a baby is born with, affecting how the heart works.
• Second Degree Heart Block: With second-degree heart block, the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats are partially blocked, which can cause an irregular rhythm.
• Aortic Dissection: Imagine a split or tear in the main artery carrying blood from your heart – this is aortic dissection, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is a type of heart rhythm disorder characterized by a quivering or irregular heartbeat in the atria (upper chambers of the heart).
• Coronary Artery Dissection: Coronary artery dissection is a serious condition where a tear within a heart artery can lead to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.
• Aortic Aneurysm: An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or widening in the aorta, the body's largest artery.
• Hypokalemia: Low potassium levels can affect your heart's rhythm and muscle function.
• Hypotension: If you have hypotension, your heart isn't pumping blood with enough force.
• Primary Insomnia: Primary insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when opportunities for sleep are available.

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

• Pharmacologic Stress Test: This test uses medicine to simulate exercise and evaluate your heart's response to exertion.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test uses dobutamine to increase your heart rate and thallium to show blood flow to your heart muscle, helping doctors identify blockages.
• 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.
• Coronary Angiogram: A coronary angiogram is a minimally invasive procedure to visualize the arteries supplying blood to your heart muscle.
• Treadmill Stress Test: This test involves walking on a treadmill while your heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored to assess your heart's health and function.
• Cardioversion: If your heart is beating too fast or irregularly, cardioversion can help reset it to a normal rhythm.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: During this test, you'll exercise while your heart is monitored to identify potential problems with blood flow.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging uses special technology like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to create pictures of your heart and blood vessels.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: This combined test uses ultrasound and pressure readings to assess blood circulation in your blood vessels, helping to detect blockages or other problems.
• Stress Test: This stress test assesses your heart's response to exertion.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging uses a special scan to show how well blood flows to your heart muscle.
• 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.

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

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a doctor specializing in the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and prevent heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Helen Preston?

Your first visit with Dr. Preston 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 individual needs.

Does Dr. Helen Preston accept my insurance?

Dr. Preston'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, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle and relieving symptoms like chest pain.

What is an echocardiogram?

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

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

Dr. Preston's practice focuses on controlling your heart rate and rhythm, and preventing blood clots. Treatment options include medication, cardioversion, and catheter ablation, but the best approach depends on your specific case and is discussed during a consultation.

I have a family history of heart disease. How can I be proactive?

We commend your proactive approach. A preventive cardiology consultation with Dr. Preston will involve a thorough risk assessment, advanced lipid testing if necessary, and the creation of a personalized plan to help minimize your future risk through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

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.