Dr. Premala Raja, MD

About Dr. Premala Raja, MD

Dr. Premala Raja, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at Raja & Raja, MD, PA in Englewood, FL. She is deeply committed 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 (561) 765-6694 to schedule an appointment.

With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Raja brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. A skilled and compassionate physician, she is licensed in Florida and Board Certified in Cardiology. Dr. Raja earned her medical degree from Madras Medical College - India in 1979, followed by an internship at St Joseph's Hospital And Medical Center - New Jersey. She completed residency training in Cardiology at St Joseph's Hospital And Medical Center - New Jersey, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, and further pursued fellowship training in Jersey City Medical Center to deepen her expertise in a specific area of patient health. She is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Treating each patient with compassion is central to Dr. Raja's approach. Dr. Premala Raja provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Premala Raja addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure, excluding cases during pregnancy.
• Pulmonary Valve Disease: The pulmonary valve may narrow (stenosis) or leak (regurgitation), disrupting blood flow and potentially affecting heart function.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Irregular heartbeats are a hallmark of sick sinus syndrome, a condition impacting the heart's natural ability to regulate its rhythm.
• Hypotension: Hypotension can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Congestive Heart Failure: In congestive heart failure, fluid builds up in your lungs and other parts of your body because your heart isn't pumping strongly enough.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease is a broad term for illnesses involving the heart muscle, valves, or blood vessels.
• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Mitral valve regurgitation is a condition where the mitral valve in your heart doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, increasing the risk of heart problems.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): Reduced blood supply to the heart muscle due to a blocked artery leads to a heart attack.
• Aortic Valve Disease: The aortic valve, responsible for regulating blood flow from your heart, can develop issues like stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), causing aortic valve disease.
• Aortic Ectasia: The aorta, your heart's main artery, is dilated or enlarged, which is known as aortic ectasia.
• Carotid Artery Disease: Carotid artery disease is a condition where the arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain are narrowed or blocked.

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

• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Cardiac catheterization helps doctors assess the health of your heart and blood vessels, often revealing blockages or other problems.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: This procedure uses a robot to help guide a catheter into the heart, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat heart conditions with greater precision.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: A cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging scan uses radioactive tracers to assess blood flow to your heart muscle, helping detect blockages.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Cardiac ultrasound provides detailed pictures of your heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion uses a controlled electric shock to correct an irregular heartbeat, like atrial fibrillation or flutter.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed picture of your heart and lungs using a CT scan of your chest.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a painless test that uses small sensors on your skin to record your heart's electrical signals, providing a visual representation of your heartbeat.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid buildup around your lungs.
• Tilt_Testing: A tilt table test checks your heart rate and blood pressure while you are moved from a lying to an upright position to determine if changes in blood flow are causing your symptoms, such as fainting.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography are non-invasive tests using sound waves and air pressure measurements to check blood flow in your arteries and veins.

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

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. Premala Raja?

Your first visit with Dr. Raja will involve 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 depending on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Premala Raja accept my insurance?

Dr. Raja's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm coverage for your specific insurance, please call the office directly with your insurance information. This will ensure accurate details for both consultations and any potential procedures.

How does Dr. Premala Raja treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Raja employs a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, focusing on lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and stress reduction, alongside the prescription of appropriate medications. The goal is to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels to prevent potential long-term complications.

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

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

Does Dr. Premala Raja perform bypass surgery (CABG)?

Dr. Raja, as a cardiologist, diagnoses coronary artery disease and performs procedures like stenting. If bypass surgery (CABG) is required, she will refer you to a qualified cardiothoracic surgeon and work closely with them throughout your care.

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, which helps identify blockages.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Raja and our team treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which involves blockages in leg arteries. We manage risk factors and perform procedures like angiography and stenting to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like leg pain.