Dr. Robert Dewhurst, MD

About Dr. Robert Dewhurst, MD

Dr. Robert Dewhurst, MD is a Cardiology specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular care at his clinic in Brandon, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered 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 (813) 692-4282 to schedule.

Dr. Dewhurst is Board Certified in Internal Medicine with subspecialty certification in Cardiovascular Diseases from the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his Residency at the University of South Florida in Internal Medicine and a subsequent Fellowship at the University of South Florida, Division of Cardiology in Tampa, Florida. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine in 2000. His special interests include multislice CT Coronary Angiography, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation and Clinical Cardiology, and his findings have been published in the American Journal of Cardiology. Dr. Dewhurst 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. He is involved in Clinical Cardiovascular research, and his findings have been published in the American Journal of Cardiology. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Cardiology at University Of South Florida, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in University Of South Florida, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. The Mission at Bay Area Cardiology Associates, PA, is to give Compassionate Quality Care to all patients. We use state of the art comprehensive cardiology techniques and medicine. Our physicians strive to achieve excellent continued education in all aspects of Cardiology. Dr. Robert Dewhurst offers consultations in Spanish.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

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

• Tricuspid Valve Disease: A diseased tricuspid valve may not seal completely, allowing blood to leak backward, or it may be narrowed, restricting blood flow, both potentially leading to heart problems.
• Septal Defect: A hole in the septum, the wall dividing the heart's upper or lower chambers, is called a septal defect.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the mitral valve doesn't close completely, sometimes causing a heart murmur.
• Heart Attack (NSTEMI): NSTEMI is a less severe type of heart attack than STEMI, involving a partial blockage of a coronary artery, resulting in symptoms like chest pain and discomfort.
• Acute Congestive Heart Failure: Acute congestive heart failure is a serious condition where your heart is failing to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup.
• Long QT Syndrome: Long QT syndrome is a heart condition that can cause irregular heartbeats, potentially leading to fainting or seizures.
• Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Mitral stenosis, a type of heart valve disease, can develop due to rheumatic fever, reducing the heart's efficiency.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Your abdominal aorta, the main artery supplying blood to your lower body, can develop a bulge called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases affecting the heart muscle, leading to impaired heart function and potentially heart failure.
• Cor Pulmonale: Cor pulmonale is a condition where high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs causes the right side of your heart to weaken and enlarge.
• Pulmonary Valve Disease: Conditions affecting the pulmonary valve can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue.
• Pericardial Disease: Pericardial disease refers to conditions affecting the sac-like membrane surrounding your heart.

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

• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This chest CT scan examines your heart and lungs for any potential issues.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: This non-invasive test uses radioactive tracers and imaging to show if parts of your heart muscle aren't getting enough blood during exertion.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test uses medication and a radioactive tracer to show how well your heart works during exercise.
• Tilt Table Testing: During a tilt table test, you'll lie on a table that adjusts to different angles to help doctors determine if changes in your blood pressure or heart rhythm are causing your symptoms.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): A cardiac catheterization is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into a blood vessel to examine the heart and blood vessels.
• Right Heart Catheterization (Swan-Ganz): This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel to measure pressures within the heart's right side and lungs.
• Coronary Angiogram: During a coronary angiogram, a thin tube is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin or wrist, to inject dye and obtain images of your coronary arteries.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can be treated with ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that corrects the heart's electrical signals.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Cardiovascular diagnostic tests use various methods to detect heart conditions like blockages or abnormalities.
• 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.
• Coronary Angioplasty: This service provides minimally invasive procedures to open narrowed coronary arteries.
• Stress Echocardiogram: A stress echocardiogram uses ultrasound to image your heart while you're exercising to evaluate blood flow and detect any abnormalities under physical exertion.

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

What is a Cardiologist?

Dr. Dewhurst 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. Our expertise ensures comprehensive cardiovascular care.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Dewhurst will involve a detailed review 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 discussed based on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Robert Dewhurst accept my insurance?

Dr. Dewhurst'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.

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 manageable with lifestyle changes and medications to improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and enhance your quality of life. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures, allowing us to assess the heart's size, shape, pumping function, and valve health.

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.

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 any unusual heartbeats (arrhythmias) that might not show up during a standard office EKG.

I have a family history of heart disease. How can I be proactive?

We commend your proactive approach. A preventive cardiology consultation with Dr. Dewhurst will involve a thorough risk assessment, potentially including advanced lipid testing, and the creation of a personalized plan for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to minimize your future risk.