Dr. Robert Black, MD

About Dr. Robert Black, MD

Dr. Robert Black, MD is a Cardiology specializing in providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care at his clinic in Dunedin, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 734-6533 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Robert Black, MD is a cardiologist in Dunedin, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. His extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions, coupled with his dedication to compassionate care, makes him a valuable resource for patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1995 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Black is affiliated with Mease Countryside Hospital and Morton Plant Hospital, and he is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dedicated to the Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties for nearly 20 years, The Heart and Vascular Institute of Florida strives to ensure patients receive considerate, respectful and compassionate care while providing a complete spectrum of cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic services.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Black brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He is committed to providing the most advanced and effective cardiovascular care, and his comprehensive approach, combined with his deep understanding of the field, has proven invaluable to many. Dr. Robert Black provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Robert Black addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker malfunctions, leading to slow, fast, or irregular heart rhythms.
• Sinus Bradycardia: With sinus bradycardia, the sinoatrial (SA) node, your heart's natural pacemaker, sends out fewer electrical signals than normal, leading to a slow heart rate.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a serious condition in which the lower chambers of the heart quiver instead of pumping blood normally, causing cardiac arrest.
• Hypertensive Heart with Failure: Because of sustained high blood pressure, your heart muscle is failing to pump blood adequately.
• Sinus Tachycardia: With sinus tachycardia, your heart beats faster than usual because the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's natural pacemaker, is working too quickly.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic lung diseases can cause the heart to work harder and sometimes result in a condition called chronic pulmonary heart disease, including increased pulmonary artery pressure.
• Angina: Experiencing angina means you should seek immediate medical attention as it could indicate a serious heart problem.
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): With CAD, the arteries supplying your heart muscle become hardened and narrowed, potentially leading to chest pain or a heart attack.
• Aortic Stenosis: The aortic valve's narrowing in aortic stenosis causes the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.
• Heart Attack (NSTEMI): A heart attack (NSTEMI) is characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to decreased blood flow to the heart, without complete artery blockage.
• Septic Embolism: A septic embolism is a serious condition where an infection spreads through the bloodstream, causing a blockage in a blood vessel.

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

• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can be treated with ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that corrects the heart's electrical signals.
• Treadmill Stress Test: A treadmill stress test is an exercise test that monitors your heart's response to physical exertion to help diagnose heart problems.
• Cardioversion: If your heart is beating too fast or irregularly, cardioversion can help reset it to a normal rhythm.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This test uses ultrasound technology to check the size, shape, and function of your heart.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Take the HeartAware online screening to estimate your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test uses dobutamine to increase your heart rate and thallium to show blood flow to your heart muscle, helping doctors identify blockages.
• Stress Test: Our stress test evaluates your heart's response to exertion.
• Coronary Angioplasty: Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: This combined test uses ultrasound and pressure readings to assess blood circulation in your blood vessels, helping to detect blockages or other problems.
• 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.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed scan of your chest, heart, and lungs using a CT scan.
• TCD Bubble Test: This test uses ultrasound to look at blood flow in your brain arteries.

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

What is a Cardiologist?

Dr. Black and our team of cardiologists are medical doctors specializing in the heart and blood vessels. We diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. We're here to provide expert care for your cardiovascular health.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Robert Black?

Your first visit with Dr. Black will involve a detailed review of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam, including 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. Robert Black accept my insurance?

Dr. Black'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.

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

Evaluating fainting involves a thorough investigation to rule out serious cardiac causes. We use tools like EKGs, echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors to identify the underlying reason and ensure your safety.

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. Black may prescribe medications like statins to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

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 us detect arrhythmias that might not show up during a standard EKG performed in the office.

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 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 together to manage it with lifestyle changes and medications to improve your heart function, reduce symptoms, and enhance your quality of life.