Dr. Thomas Kim, MD

About Dr. Thomas Kim, MD

Dr. Thomas Kim, MD is a Cardiology specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular care at Cardiovascular Associates - Kissimmee in Kissimmee, 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. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (407) 385-0914 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Kim's extensive experience includes over 35 years of dedicated practice in cardiovascular care, drawing upon a wealth of clinical knowledge and a compassionate approach to patient care. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1989 and completed an internship and residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Medical Center, followed by fellowship training at St. Vincent's Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and a Diplomat of the National Board of Internal Medicine, the National Board of Medical Examiners, and the Certification Board of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Dr. Kim's commitment to patient care is further exemplified by his certifications and his philosophy of compassionate and fiscally responsible care. He offers consultations in Spanish.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

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

• Peripheral Edema: Peripheral edema is swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles due to fluid buildup.
• Hyperlipidemia: Having high cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in your blood is called hyperlipidemia.
• Atherosclerosis of Aorta: Atherosclerosis of the aorta means a buildup of plaque in the largest artery in your body, the aorta.
• Rheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Damage to the heart's tricuspid valve caused by rheumatic fever is known as rheumatic tricuspid disease and may require treatment.
• Sinus Tachycardia: A rapid heartbeat, originating from the heart's natural pacemaker, is the hallmark of sinus tachycardia.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where blood pressure drops suddenly when you stand up, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Aortic Ectasia: Aortic ectasia refers to an abnormally large diameter of the aorta, often requiring monitoring.
• Noninfective Endocarditis: Noninfective endocarditis is a heart condition where the valves or inner lining of the heart become inflamed, but it's not caused by an infection.
• High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels in your blood can clog your arteries, reducing blood flow to your heart and other organs.
• Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious condition where a part of your aorta, the main artery, becomes enlarged and weakened in your chest and belly.
• Nonrheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Nonrheumatic tricuspid disease means the valve between the right atrium and ventricle isn't working properly and isn't due to a past infection.
• Systolic Heart Failure: Systolic heart failure means your heart's lower chambers can't pump enough blood out to your body.

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

• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: This procedure uses heat or freezing to eliminate areas of the heart that trigger abnormal heart rhythms.
• Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Insertion: This service provides implantation of devices to help regulate your heart rhythm.
• Cardioversion: For certain types of rapid or irregular heartbeats, cardioversion is a treatment that uses an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: A robotic system assists doctors in performing a cardiac catheterization, a minimally invasive procedure to examine and treat blood vessels and heart chambers.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: A cardiac MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your heart and chest.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid buildup around your lungs.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging provides detailed images of your heart to help diagnose problems such as blockages or heart valve issues.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This chest CT scan, including your heart and lungs, provides detailed images for evaluating your cardiovascular health.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that measures the electrical activity of your heart to check for rhythm problems and other heart conditions.
• Arterial Catheterization with Robotic Assist: This service uses a robotic system to guide a catheter into your arteries for diagnosis and treatment.
• Tilt_Testing: If you experience unexplained fainting or dizziness, a tilt table test may be used to see if a change in blood pressure or heart rate when you stand is to blame.
• Coronary Angioplasty: Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart.

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

What is a Cardiologist?

Dr. Kim and our practice specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart and blood vessel conditions. We have expertise in conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Thomas Kim?

Your first visit with Dr. Kim 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, might be recommended depending on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Thomas Kim accept my insurance?

Dr. Kim'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 pinpoint the underlying reason and ensure your safety.

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 us to identify blockages.

Why do I need to wear a Holter or event monitor?

A Holter or event monitor is a small, portable EKG device worn for a period of time to record your heart's rhythm during normal daily activities. This helps us detect any unusual heartbeats (arrhythmias) that might not be present during a standard office EKG.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Kim and our team of cardiologists often 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.

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

Dr. Kim's approach to treating high blood pressure is comprehensive, focusing on lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and stress reduction, alongside appropriate medication prescriptions. The goal is to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels to prevent potential future heart and vascular problems.