Dr. Travis Howard, MD

About Dr. Travis Howard, MD

Dr. Travis Howard, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Naples, 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. Howard is committed to ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for all ages, and provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases. Patients should call (239) 624-4200 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Travis Howard, MD is a cardiologist in Naples, FL, affiliated with Cleveland Clinic and Naples Community Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University, Medical Center, and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Howard's approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for his patients. He strives to provide clear explanations of diagnoses, treatment plans, and potential outcomes, empowering patients to actively participate in their care. Dr. Travis Howard provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Travis Howard addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Painful urination, or dysuria, is discomfort or pain during urination.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): Heart attacks are caused by a sudden blockage in a coronary artery, depriving the heart of oxygen.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure, excluding cases during pregnancy.
• Acute Congestive Heart Failure: In acute congestive heart failure, your heart weakens and is unable to circulate blood adequately, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.
• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Mitral valve regurgitation is a condition where the mitral valve in your heart doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward.
• Lipid Disorders: Unhealthy levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, known as lipid disorders, need management to protect your cardiovascular health.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, puts extra strain on your blood vessels and heart.
• Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is a condition where nerve pain originates from a compressed or irritated nerve root in the spine.
• Sinus Bradycardia: A slow heart rate, or sinus bradycardia, occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker doesn't generate electrical impulses frequently enough.
• Malaise and Fatigue: Feeling unwell and tired could be signs of various health issues, including underlying medical conditions.

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

• Tilt_Testing: This test involves lying on a specialized table that changes angle to assess how your heart and circulation react to changes in posture, helping diagnose conditions like vasovagal syncope.
• Cholesterol Screening: Get your cholesterol levels checked to help manage your heart health.
• Diabetes Screening: This service helps identify and assess your risk of developing diabetes.
• Valve Repair or Replacement (Aortic: This service provides care for aortic valve problems, including repair or replacement.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor may order an EKG to detect abnormalities in your heart rhythm, such as irregular heartbeats or signs of a heart attack.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation (TAVR/TAVI): TAVR/TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve with a new one, using a catheter inserted through a small incision.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): During a cardiac catheterization, doctors can visualize your heart's blood vessels to diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease.
• 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.
• Thyroid Screening: Get a comprehensive thyroid check-up to assess your thyroid gland's health.
• Coronary Angioplasty: Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart.
• Aortic Valve Surgery: If your aortic heart valve isn't working properly, surgery may be needed to fix or replace it.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: It's a non-invasive imaging technique that helps doctors assess your heart's health and detect problems.

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

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. Travis Howard?

Your first visit with Dr. Howard will involve a detailed discussion of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam and often 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. Travis Howard accept my insurance?

Dr. Howard'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 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 beat.

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

We commend you for your proactive approach. A preventive cardiology consultation with Dr. Howard involves a thorough risk assessment, advanced lipid testing if necessary, and the creation of a personalized plan to minimize your future risk through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

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 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 heart rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm.

What is a cardiac stress test?

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