Dr. Kevin Garner, MD

About Dr. Kevin Garner, MD

Dr. Kevin Garner, 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). He is committed to ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for all ages, providing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases. Dr. Garner is currently welcoming new patients, and they should call (727) 824-8243 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Kevin Garner, MD is a cardiologist in St. Petersburg, FL with over 35 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 the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in 1988, followed by residency training in Cardiology at James A Haley Vet Hospital, and University Of S Fl College Of Med. Dr. Garner is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital. He is dedicated to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, ensuring a supportive and reassuring environment for all patients. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Kevin Garner provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Kevin Garner addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Cardiomyopathy: A range of conditions causing the heart muscle to be weakened or abnormally thickened are classified under the term cardiomyopathy.
• Septal Defect: Septal defects are birth defects that cause abnormal blood flow within the heart.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the mitral valve doesn't close completely, sometimes causing a heart murmur.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia means your heart rate is elevated above the normal range, but the rhythm is otherwise regular and originates from the sinoatrial node.
• Hypertension: Hypertension is a common condition where the pressure of your blood in your arteries is elevated, often requiring lifestyle changes and/or medication.
• Muscular Dystrophy (MD): Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss.
• Hypotension: If you have hypotension, your heart isn't pumping blood with enough force.
• Aneurysm: An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that can weaken it and potentially rupture.
• Typical Atrial Flutter: With typical atrial flutter, the electrical signals in your heart's atria move in a rapid, circular pattern, causing a fast heartbeat.
• Aortic Valve Disease: Problems with the aortic valve, such as its inability to fully open or close tightly, characterize aortic valve disease and can impact your heart's efficiency.
• Hyperlipidemia: High levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, known as hyperlipidemia, can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker malfunctions, leading to slow, fast, or irregular heart rhythms.

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

• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: Doctors use a cardiac MRI to assess the size, shape, and function of your heart and to detect any abnormalities in the heart or great vessels.
• 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.
• Cardiac Imaging: These imaging techniques help doctors assess the size, shape, and function of your heart and blood vessels.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: To evaluate your heart's function, this test uses drugs to stress your heart and a radioactive substance to produce images revealing blood flow patterns.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: During a dobutamine thallium stress test, you'll receive a medication to increase your heart rate while images of your heart are taken, allowing doctors to assess its function.
• Coronary Angiogram: Coronary angiography is a heart procedure that uses X-rays and a special dye to assess the health of your heart's blood vessels and identify any narrowing or blockages.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed view of your heart and lungs using a CT scan.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: Nuclear stress testing helps doctors evaluate your heart's ability to get enough blood when it's working harder, which can help identify blockages in your arteries.
• TCD Bubble Test: This test uses ultrasound to look at blood flow in your brain arteries.
• Cholesterol Screening: This service helps check your cholesterol levels to assess your heart health risk.
• Tilt Table Testing: This non-invasive test helps doctors identify if changes in blood flow, such as those related to neurally mediated syncope, are causing your symptoms.
• Stress Test: This stress test evaluates your heart's response to exertion.

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

What is a Cardiologist?

Dr. Garner and our team of cardiologists are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. We 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. Kevin Garner?

Your first visit with Dr. Garner will include 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. Kevin Garner accept my insurance?

Dr. Garner'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.

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 detect arrhythmias that might not show up during a quick office EKG.

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

Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) focuses on controlling heart rate, restoring normal rhythm, and preventing blood clots. Options include medication, cardioversion procedures, and advanced techniques like catheter ablation. The best approach is tailored to each patient's individual situation.

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 the difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator (ICD)?

A pacemaker helps regulate slow heartbeats by sending electrical signals to the heart, whereas an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) monitors for rapid, potentially dangerous heart rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal heart rate.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

Treatment for high cholesterol often starts with dietary changes and increased physical activity. If lifestyle modifications are insufficient, Dr. Kevin Garner may prescribe medications like statins to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.