Dr. Thomas Hughes, DO

About Dr. Thomas Hughes, DO

Dr. Thomas Hughes, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Hughes's extensive background, encompassing an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, medical training at A. T. Still University Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine (1977), and a Cardiology Fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic, has prepared him to excel in his practice of general cardiology. He is Board Certified in Cardiology and Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and his 45+ years of experience in cardiovascular care bring a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families.

Dr. Hughes provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for his patients of all ages. He is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and providing a supportive, reassuring environment. Dr. Hughes is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (239) 343-6350 to schedule an appointment. His current practice is at Lee Health, in Bonita Springs, Florida, and he provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Thomas Hughes addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Syncope: A syncopal episode involves a brief loss of consciousness and posture, typically resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Having mitral valve stenosis means the mitral valve in your heart is stiff and doesn't open properly, reducing the amount of blood that can pump to the body.
• Cardiomyopathy: With cardiomyopathy, the heart's ability to pump blood is compromised due to problems with the heart muscle's structure or function.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Some children are born with congenital heart defects, which can range from mild to severe.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive chronic kidney disease is a serious condition where high blood pressure contributes to kidney failure.
• Angina: Experiencing angina means you should seek immediate medical attention as it could indicate a serious heart problem.
• Vascular Disease: Vascular disease can affect blood vessels anywhere in the body, leading to various health issues.
• 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.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia means you have high levels of cholesterol and/or other fats in your blood.
• Third Degree Heart Block: In third-degree heart block, the electrical signals that coordinate your heartbeat are completely blocked, leading to an irregular and often slow pulse.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Irregular heartbeats are a hallmark of sick sinus syndrome, a condition impacting the heart's natural ability to regulate its rhythm.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Hypertensive heart disease refers to the changes in your heart's structure and function due to long-term high blood pressure.

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

• Coronary Angioplasty: Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel to check for 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 Imaging: These imaging techniques help doctors assess the size, shape, and function of your heart and blood vessels.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from around your lungs.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed picture of your heart and lungs using a CT scan of your chest.
• Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Insertion: This service provides implantation of devices to help regulate your heart rhythm.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Myocardial perfusion imaging is a type of heart scan that helps doctors identify areas of your heart that might be damaged due to poor blood supply.
• Cardiac Electrophysiology: Cardiac electrophysiology studies the electrical activity of your heart to diagnose and treat rhythm 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.
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin to help regulate your heartbeat if it's too slow or irregular.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: Peripheral artery catheterization helps doctors assess blood flow in your limbs and administer treatment if necessary through a small tube inserted into an artery.

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

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. Thomas Hughes?

Your first visit with Dr. Hughes 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. Thomas Hughes accept my insurance?

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

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.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test helps evaluate how well your heart performs during physical activity. It involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while connected to an EKG machine. This test helps diagnose coronary artery disease and assess your heart's function under exertion.

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 regular office EKG.

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 can identify blockages.

How does Dr. Thomas Hughes treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Hughes employs a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, encompassing lifestyle modifications like dietary changes, exercise, and stress reduction, alongside the prescription of appropriate medications. The goal is to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels to prevent future cardiovascular complications.