Dr. Paul Dillahunt II, MD

About Dr. Paul Dillahunt II, MD

Dr. Paul Dillahunt II, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his Jacksonville, FL clinic. 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 of all ages. Please call (904) 396-5996 to confirm if Dr. Dillahunt II is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Paul Dillahunt II, MD is a cardiologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions and various heart conditions. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Dillahunt II earned his medical degree from Ohio State University in 1973 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Nassau and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, and is accepting telehealth appointments. A Health Grades Five Star Rated Doctor, Dr. Dillahunt II is known for his clinical expertise and personal touch with each patient. He serves as Chief of Cardiology and Medical Director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at Baptist Medical Center. Dr. Paul Dillahunt II provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Paul Dillahunt II addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Nonrheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Tricuspid valve disease, not related to rheumatic fever, involves malfunction of the valve separating the heart's upper and lower right chambers.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease involves various conditions affecting the valve's ability to regulate blood flow effectively, potentially leading to heart failure if left untreated.
• 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.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Damage to the heart caused by sustained high blood pressure is known as hypertensive heart disease.
• Aneurysm of Heart: Weakening in the heart muscle or a connected blood vessel can cause a bulge, known as a heart aneurysm, that requires medical attention.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: The tricuspid valve, located on the right side of your heart, can malfunction, causing either leakage (regurgitation) or narrowing (stenosis), leading to tricuspid valve disease.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: In mitral valve regurgitation, the valve between your heart's upper and lower left chambers doesn't close fully, allowing blood to flow backward.
• Angina: Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Hypotension: Hypotension can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Arteriovenous Fistula: Arteriovenous fistula is a medical term for an unusual connection between an artery and a vein.
• Marfan Syndrome: Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, potentially impacting the heart, eyes, and skeletal system.

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

• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: This test combines a medicine that stresses your heart (dobutamine) with a special scan (thallium) to check for reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Stress Test: A stress test evaluates how your heart responds to exertion.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor may order an EKG to detect abnormalities in your heart rhythm, such as irregular heartbeats or signs of a heart attack.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): During a cardiac catheterization, doctors can visualize your heart's blood vessels to diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease.
• Cardioversion: For certain types of rapid or irregular heartbeats, cardioversion is a treatment that uses an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: A cardiovascular diagnostic test helps doctors assess the health of your heart and blood vessels.
• 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.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: This covers diagnosing and fixing structural problems in your heart, like damaged valves or holes in the heart.
• Non-Coronary Angioplasty: This service provides minimally invasive procedures to treat narrowed blood vessels outside the coronary arteries.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: Peripheral artery catheterization is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into an artery in your leg or arm to check blood flow and obtain blood samples.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: A cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging scan uses radioactive tracers to assess blood flow to your heart muscle, helping detect blockages.
• Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Insertion: This service provides implantation of a device to help regulate your heart rhythm.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Paul Dillahunt II. 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. Paul Dillahunt II:

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a doctor specializing in the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. Our cardiologists provide expert care for heart health.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Paul Dillahunt II?

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

Does Dr. Paul Dillahunt II accept my insurance?

Insurance plan acceptance can vary. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage for consultations and procedures.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

High cholesterol management often starts with dietary changes and increased physical activity. When lifestyle modifications are insufficient, Dr. Dillahunt II may prescribe medications, such as statins, to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

How does Dr. Paul Dillahunt II treat heart valve disease?

Dr. Dillahunt II approaches heart valve disease with a personalized strategy. This may involve regular monitoring for mild cases, medication management for moderate cases, or, for severe cases, coordination with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist for procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR).

What does a heart failure diagnosis mean?

A heart failure diagnosis means your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should. This is treatable, and we'll work with you on a management plan combining lifestyle changes and medications to improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and enhance your quality of life.

I've had fainting spells. How do you determine the cause?

We evaluate fainting spells (syncope) through a thorough investigation, including electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors. This helps us determine the underlying cause and ensure your safety.

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 standard office EKG.