Dr. Wasim Ahmar, MD

About Dr. Wasim Ahmar, MD

Dr. Wasim Ahmar, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at our Longwood, FL clinic, 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). 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 (407) 987-2995 to schedule. We are committed to providing superior services to all patients, with a kind heart. Our staff works closely with referring physicians and surrounding hospitals to extend your care. We are also dedicated to educating our patients to help them achieve a healthy lifestyle. Our staff strives with continuous education being the main component with the ever changing medical field. in order to continue our devotion to your health, we have an on call physician available 24/7 for your convenience.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Ahmar brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from King Edward Medical College in 1992, completing an internship at Saint Mary's Hospital - Rochester, NY. He then undertook residency training in Cardiology at Medical College of Ohio - Toledo, OH, followed by fellowship training at Hahnemann University Hospital - Philadelphia, PA, and Temple University Hospital - Philadelphia, PA, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Dr. Ahmar is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and providing a supportive, reassuring environment for patients. Dr. Wasim Ahmar offers consultations in Arabic.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Wasim Ahmar addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the mitral valve doesn't close completely, sometimes causing a heart murmur.
• 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.
• Prinzmetal Angina: This rare form of angina occurs when the heart's arteries temporarily constrict, leading to chest pain or discomfort.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: This dangerous heart rhythm, known as ventricular fibrillation, causes the ventricles to tremble instead of beat regularly, leading to a sudden cardiac arrest.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Hypertensive heart disease refers to the changes in your heart's structure and function due to long-term high blood pressure.
• Typical Atrial Flutter: A typical atrial flutter is a specific kind of irregular heartbeat that's often detected through an electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Aortic Valve Disease: Aortic valve disease encompasses conditions where the heart's aortic valve doesn't work correctly, disrupting the normal flow of blood and possibly requiring medical intervention.
• Atrial Flutter: With atrial flutter, the heart's atria beat very quickly, causing a fluttering sensation and potentially leading to irregular heartbeats.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath can be a symptom of various cardiovascular issues.
• Second Degree Heart Block: A second-degree heart block means your heart's natural pacemaker isn't sending signals to the lower chambers consistently, resulting in a slower heart rate.
• Nonrheumatic Mitral Stenosis: A condition called nonrheumatic mitral stenosis affects the heart's mitral valve, causing it to narrow and impede blood flow effectively.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A PFO is a flap-like opening between the two upper chambers of the heart that may not close completely after birth.

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

• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Blocked coronary arteries can be opened with PCI, a procedure that involves inserting a catheter to inflate a balloon at the blockage, sometimes with a stent inserted afterward.
• Impella Device: This tiny pump assists your heart's pumping action, improving blood flow to vital organs.
• 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.
• Coronary Angioplasty: This service provides procedures to open narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart.
• Cardiac Angiography: This test uses special dye and X-rays to create pictures of the blood vessels supplying the heart, helping to diagnose problems like blockages.
• 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): During a cardiac catheterization, doctors can visualize your heart's blood vessels to diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease.
• Thrombolysis: Clot-busting drugs are administered during thrombolysis to restore blood flow and reduce the risk of lasting organ damage.
• Coronary Stenting: Coronary stenting is a minimally invasive treatment to open blocked arteries in your heart, reducing the risk of future heart problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Wasim Ahmar. 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. Wasim Ahmar:

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor 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. Wasim Ahmar?

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

Does Dr. Wasim Ahmar accept my insurance?

Dr. Ahmar'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 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 the difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator (ICD)?

A pacemaker treats slow heart rhythms by sending signals to regulate the heart rate. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) monitors for dangerously fast heart rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm.

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 tests like EKGs, echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors to identify the underlying reason and ensure your safety.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

Treatment for high cholesterol often starts with dietary changes and increased physical activity. If lifestyle modifications aren't sufficient, Dr. Ahmar may prescribe medications like statins to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

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