Dr. Mark Starnes, DO

About Dr. Mark Starnes, DO

Dr. Mark Starnes, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at HCA Florida Heart Institute - Largo in Largo, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for his patients. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 609-8123 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Starnes is a non-invasive cardiologist caring for patients in Pinellas County and surrounding areas. He is a native of North Carolina and received his medical degree from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. His comprehensive medical training includes a residency and fellowship at Largo Medical Center, where he further specialized in Cardiology. Dr. Starnes is board certified in nuclear cardiology stress testing and interpretation, vascular ultrasound interpretation and echocardiography, and is trained in performing stress testing and transesophageal echocardiography. His commitment to evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and a supportive environment are central to his approach to care. He is Board Certified in Cardiology and Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Starnes is the proud husband and father, enjoying time with his family and the local community. He provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Mark Starnes addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Cardiomegaly: Cardiomegaly means your heart is larger than normal.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Damage to the heart caused by sustained high blood pressure is known as hypertensive heart disease.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Tricuspid valve disease is a condition affecting the valve between the two right-side chambers of the heart, impacting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a condition where the upper chambers of your heart beat chaotically, causing an irregular heartbeat.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular or abnormal heartbeats, known as arrhythmias, can be a symptom of underlying heart conditions.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a digestive disorder where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Carotid Artery Disease: Carotid artery disease affects the arteries in your neck, potentially reducing blood flow to your brain and increasing your risk of stroke.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions affecting connective tissues, leading to joint hypermobility and other potential health issues.
• Ebstein: Ebstein's anomaly is a heart condition where the tricuspid valve, which controls blood flow between the heart's upper and lower chambers, is malformed.
• Type 2 Heart Block - Mobitz: Mobitz type 2 heart block is a type of heart rhythm problem where the heart's electrical signals don't always reach the lower chambers, causing an irregular heartbeat.
• Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Mitral stenosis, a type of heart valve disease, can develop due to rheumatic fever, reducing the heart's efficiency.
• Pericarditis: Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding your heart.

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

• Tilt_Testing: This test involves lying on a specialized table that changes angle to assess how your heart and circulation react to changes in posture, helping diagnose conditions like vasovagal syncope.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: A peripheral artery catheter is a small tube placed in an artery in your limb to deliver medications, monitor blood pressure, or collect blood samples for testing.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Cardiac ultrasound provides detailed pictures of your heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Blocked coronary arteries can be opened with PCI, a procedure that involves inserting a catheter to inflate a balloon at the blockage, sometimes with a stent inserted afterward.
• Cardioversion: For certain types of rapid or irregular heartbeats, cardioversion is a treatment that uses an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm.
• 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.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This non-invasive test creates pictures of your heart to check for reduced blood flow, often due to narrowed arteries.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: Cardiac catheterization with robotic assist uses a thin, flexible tube and a robot to help doctors visualize and treat heart problems.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed X-ray picture of your chest, heart, and lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that measures the electrical activity of your heart to check for rhythm problems and other heart conditions.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Coronary angiography, a type of cardiac catheterization, uses dye and X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries and detect blockages.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: This non-invasive imaging test uses magnetic fields to create pictures of your heart and surrounding chest area, helping to diagnose a range of cardiac issues.

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

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. Mark Starnes?

Your first visit with Dr. Starnes will include a detailed discussion of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam and electrocardiogram (EKG) are typically performed. Further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be recommended based on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Mark Starnes accept my insurance?

Dr. Starnes'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.

Does Dr. Mark Starnes perform bypass surgery (CABG)?

Dr. Starnes, as a cardiologist, diagnoses and manages coronary artery disease, often using non-surgical interventions like stenting. If bypass surgery (CABG) is required, 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 detect arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, that might not show up during a standard office EKG.

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 an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart, allowing your cardiologist to assess its size, shape, and pumping function, as well as the health of its valves.

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.