Dr. Srisha Rao, MD

About Dr. Srisha Rao, MD

Dr. Srisha Rao, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at the Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida in Ocala, 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). Dr. Rao’s practice is focused on providing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for her patients of all ages. She is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (352) 520-2684 to schedule an appointment.

With 30 years of experience, Dr. Rao is a 53-year-old cardiology doctor deeply committed to her patients' well-being. She is affiliated with Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center, Munroe Regional Medical Center, and HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. Dr. Rao earned her medical degree from Gandhi Medical College and completed her residency training in Cardiology at Catholic Medical Center Of Brooklyn And Queens, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. She furthered her expertise with fellowship training in the same institution, deepening her knowledge in a specific area of patient health. Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Rao approaches patient care with a strong commitment to evidence-based medicine, providing thorough patient education, and encouraging collaborative decision-making. She strives to create a supportive and reassuring environment for all her patients, prioritizing their comfort and understanding throughout their journey. Dr. Srisha Rao provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Srisha Rao addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Heart Valve Disorders: These disorders affect the efficient pumping of blood through the heart, potentially leading to heart failure if left untreated.
• Noninfective Endocarditis: The heart's inner lining and/or valves can become irritated and inflamed in a condition called noninfective endocarditis, which is unrelated to infection.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A DVT is a serious condition where a blood clot suddenly blocks a deep vein, often causing pain and swelling.
• Hypokalemia: Low potassium levels can affect your heart's rhythm and other bodily functions.
• Hypertension: Hypertension is a common condition where the pressure of your blood in your arteries is elevated, often requiring lifestyle changes and/or medication.
• Nonrheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Your heart's tricuspid valve may have a problem that is not caused by rheumatic heart disease; this is known as nonrheumatic tricuspid disease.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects are heart problems that are present at birth.
• 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 dangerous if it travels to the lungs.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: It's a serious heart condition involving a sudden disruption of blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain or discomfort.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heartbeat originating from the lower chambers of the heart.

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

• Cardiovascular Stress Test: During this test, you'll exercise while your heart is monitored to identify potential problems with blood flow.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: A pharmacologic nuclear stress test involves medication to simulate exercise and a radioactive tracer to visualize your heart's blood flow, detecting blockages or other issues.
• 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.
• Coronary Angioplasty: This service offers a procedure to open narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart.
• 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 Imaging: Doctors use cardiac imaging tests to check the health of your heart and see how well it's pumping blood.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Coronary angiography, a type of cardiac catheterization, uses dye and X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries and detect blockages.
• 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.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Our cardiovascular service evaluates chest pain to determine its cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: It's a non-invasive imaging technique that helps doctors assess your heart's health and detect problems.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can be treated with ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that corrects the heart's electrical signals.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography help doctors visualize blood vessels and measure blood flow, aiding in the diagnosis of circulatory issues.

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

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and prevent heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Srisha Rao?

Your first visit with Dr. Rao will involve a detailed discussion 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 recommended based on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Srisha Rao accept my insurance?

Dr. Rao's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm coverage for your specific insurance, please call our office directly with your policy details. This will ensure accurate information regarding consultations and procedures.

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 a stent and why would I need one?

A stent is a tiny, expandable mesh tube placed inside a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to prop the artery open, restore blood flow to the heart muscle, and relieve symptoms like chest pain.

How does Dr. Srisha Rao treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Rao's approach to high blood pressure involves a comprehensive strategy. This includes personalized lifestyle counseling on diet, exercise, and stress management, combined with the appropriate medication prescription. The goal is to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels to prevent future health problems.

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

Evaluating fainting involves a thorough investigation to rule out any serious cardiac causes. We utilize various tests, such as EKGs, echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors, to pinpoint the underlying reason and ensure your safety.

What is an echocardiogram?

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