Dr. Paola Casanova, MD

About Dr. Paola Casanova, MD

Dr. Paola Casanova, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at the Memorial Division of Cardiac Services in Miramar, FL. She 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). 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 (954) 869-3869 to schedule an appointment.

My passion for cardiology stems from a profound personal connection to the importance of patient care. Born in Chiclayo, Peru, I was inspired by my father's heart attack when I was 13, which underscored the vital role of communication and empathy in healthcare. As a board-certified cardiologist, echocardiographer, nuclear cardiologist, and internal medicine physician, I am also a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. I'm deeply invested in helping patients manage conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, syncope, and peripheral artery disease. My extensive training, including a Master's degree in healthcare administration and seven years of clinical research experience, including five years as a clinical research director, have equipped me to provide exceptional care. I completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including fellowship training at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Universidad Nacional Mayor De San Marcos in Lima, Peru (graduated 2016). I am Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Casanova offers consultations in Spanish, and upholds the patient- and family-centered care philosophy of Memorial Healthcare System.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Paola Casanova addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Orthostatic Hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure when you stand up, sometimes causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Hypokalemia: Low potassium levels can affect your heart's rhythm and other bodily functions.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: In primary pulmonary hypertension, increased pressure in your lung's blood vessels forces your heart to work harder, potentially leading to heart failure.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: This condition involves damage to the heart caused by long-term high blood pressure and kidney disease.
• Atrial Cardiomyopathy With Heart Block: This condition involves a problem with the heart's upper chambers (atria) making them weak, and a disruption in the heart's electrical system causing delayed or blocked signals.
• 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 serious if not treated.
• Pulmonary Edema: Pulmonary edema is a buildup of fluid in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
• Typical Atrial Flutter: A typical atrial flutter is a specific kind of irregular heartbeat that's often detected through an electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Cardiac Compression Syndrome: Cardiac compression syndrome happens when the heart is squeezed, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively.
• Congestive Heart Failure: CHF is a condition where your heart is weakened and struggles to effectively circulate blood throughout your body.
• Cardiac Defects: Cardiac defects are abnormalities of the heart present at birth that may require medical attention.
• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Your heart's mitral valve may not be closing properly, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction; this is called mitral valve regurgitation.

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

• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your heart and its structures.
• Coronary Stenting: Coronary stenting is a minimally invasive treatment to open blocked arteries in your heart, reducing the risk of future heart problems.
• Nuclear Cardiac Imaging: Our nuclear cardiac imaging service uses a safe, painless procedure to create images of your heart's function.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This chest CT scan examines your heart and lungs for potential problems.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from around your lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a quick and non-invasive way to assess the health of your heart muscle and electrical conduction system.
• Coronary Angioplasty: This service offers procedures to open narrowed arteries in your heart.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: This covers diagnosing and fixing structural problems in your heart, like damaged valves or holes in the heart.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: This imaging and blood flow assessment technique, combining ultrasound and pressure measurements, helps find problems in your arteries and veins that may affect circulation.
• 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.
• Cardiac Imaging: Various types of cardiac imaging, such as echocardiograms and CT scans, help doctors make a diagnosis and plan treatment.
• Holter Monitoring: Holter monitoring involves wearing a small device that continuously tracks your heart's electrical activity to identify potential heart problems.

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

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. Paola Casanova?

Your first visit with Dr. Casanova will involve a detailed discussion of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam and electrocardiogram (EKG) are standard, and further tests like an echocardiogram or stress test might be recommended depending on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Paola Casanova accept my insurance?

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

How does Dr. Paola Casanova treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Casanova utilizes a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, incorporating lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and stress reduction, alongside prescribed medications. The goal is to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels, thereby minimizing the risk of future cardiovascular problems. She works closely with each patient to develop a personalized plan.

What is a cardiac catheterization or angiogram?

Cardiac catheterization, or angiogram, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. A thin tube (catheter) is guided to the heart to measure pressures and visualize the coronary arteries with dye, allowing identification of blockages.

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

A pacemaker helps regulate slow heartbeats by sending electrical signals to the heart. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) monitors for dangerously fast heartbeats and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is often managed with dietary changes and increased physical activity. When lifestyle modifications are insufficient, Dr. Casanova may prescribe medications like statins to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

How does Dr. Paola Casanova treat heart valve disease?

Dr. Casanova's approach to heart valve disease varies depending on the severity. Mild cases may be managed with regular monitoring and medication. For more severe cases, she coordinates care with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist to perform procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR).