Dr. Vilma Torres, MD

About Dr. Vilma Torres, MD

Dr. Vilma Torres, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at her Gainesville, FL clinic, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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 (352) 265-0820 to schedule an appointment.

With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Torres earned her medical degree from State University Of New York, Health Science Center At Stony Brook in 1979. She is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society. Driven by a deep personal commitment to helping others, stemming from her own experience witnessing her mother's heart struggles, she has dedicated her career to improving the lives of her patients. She offers consultations in Spanish.

My name is Dr. Vilma I. Torres. I am deeply passionate about providing exceptional cardiovascular care, and my approach is rooted in a commitment to listening attentively to each patient's unique needs and concerns. I believe in fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship built on trust and open communication. This philosophy, coupled with my extensive training and experience, ensures that each patient receives the highest quality of care possible.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Vilma Torres addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Systolic Heart Failure: Systolic heart failure means your heart's lower chambers can't pump enough blood out to your body.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, increasing the risk of heart problems.
• Aortic Dissection: Aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the aorta causes blood to separate the layers of the artery wall, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to your heart, reducing blood flow.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Irregular heartbeats are a hallmark of sick sinus syndrome, a condition impacting the heart's natural ability to regulate its rhythm.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease of Extremities: Peripheral artery disease affects blood flow to your limbs, potentially causing pain, numbness, or cramping, especially with activity.
• Hyperkalemia: High levels of potassium in your blood can cause various symptoms and require medical attention.
• Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Inflammation in the heart due to sarcoidosis, a systemic inflammatory disease, can cause a range of heart problems, from rhythm disturbances to weakening of the heart muscle.
• First Degree Heart Block: It's a slow conduction of the electrical impulse through the heart, resulting in a slightly prolonged time between your heartbeat's components.
• Atrial Septal Defect: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall separating the upper chambers of the heart.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia where the heart beats too quickly because of a problem with the heart's upper chambers.

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

• 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.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: During this test, you'll exercise while your heart is monitored to identify potential problems with blood flow.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): This screening assesses whether you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition affecting blood circulation in your extremities.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging uses a special scan to show how well blood flows to your heart muscle.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Cardiac catheterization helps doctors assess the health of your heart and blood vessels, often revealing blockages or other problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a quick and non-invasive way to assess the health of your heart muscle and electrical conduction system.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: This non-invasive test uses a medication to simulate exercise and a radioactive tracer to image your heart, detecting areas that might not get enough blood.
• Pharmacologic Stress Test: This service assesses your heart's response to medication to help diagnose potential heart conditions.
• Cholesterol Screening: This service helps check your cholesterol levels to assess your heart health.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: This imaging and blood flow assessment technique, combining ultrasound and pressure measurements, helps find problems in your arteries and veins that may affect circulation.
• TCD Bubble Test: This test uses ultrasound to check blood flow in your brain arteries.
• 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. Vilma Torres. 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. Vilma Torres:

What is a Cardiologist?

Dr. Vilma Torres and her team are cardiologists, meaning they are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. They are experts in conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Vilma Torres?

Your first visit with Dr. Torres will involve a detailed review of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam will follow, often including an electrocardiogram (EKG). Further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be discussed based on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Vilma Torres accept my insurance?

Dr. Torres'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 potential procedures.

I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). What are the treatment options?

Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) focuses on controlling your heart rate, restoring a normal rhythm, and preventing blood clots. Options include medications, cardioversion procedures, and, in some cases, advanced procedures like catheter ablation. The best approach is tailored to your individual situation.

How does Dr. Vilma Torres treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Torres employs a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, including lifestyle modifications like dietary changes, exercise, and stress reduction, along with the prescription of appropriate medications. The goal is to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels to prevent potential future cardiovascular problems.

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 arrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats, that might not show up during a brief EKG performed in the office.

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 for identification of blockages.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Torres and our team 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 alleviate symptoms like leg pain.