Whitney Harper, APRN

About Whitney Harper, APRN

Whitney Harper, APRN is a Cardiology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) practicing at Baptist Medical Group in Pensacola, FL. She is deeply committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular 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. I serve all ages, and I am currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 430-7000 to schedule an appointment.

With over 7.5 years of clinical experience in cardiology, internal medicine, and family practice, Dr. Whitney APRN is dedicated to providing evidence-based care to patients with a variety of cardiovascular needs. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of West Florida, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Family Practice from the University of South Alabama. She is board certified by the AANP as an APRN and holds certifications in ACLS and BLS. Dr. Whitney APRN has a special interest in complex lipid disorders and assists the lipidologist with managing these patients in Lipid Clinic. She is a past recipient of West Florida Hospital's Clinical Excellence award and an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioner and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. I strive to create a supportive and reassuring environment, emphasizing patient education, collaborative decision-making, and a commitment to evidence-based medicine in all aspects of my care. Dr. Whitney APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Whitney APRN addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation: With a pulmonary AVM, blood doesn't flow through the lungs correctly, potentially causing low oxygen levels in your blood.
• 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.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Tricuspid valve disease refers to problems with the valve in your heart that controls blood flow between the heart's right atrium and right ventricle.
• Secondary Hypertension: Your doctor might diagnose secondary hypertension if another condition is responsible for your elevated blood pressure.
• Atrial Arrhythmia: This condition involves abnormal electrical signals in the atria, leading to an irregular heartbeat.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain, and its cause needs proper medical assessment.
• Hypercholesterolemia, Autosomal Dominant: Autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder characterized by extremely high LDL cholesterol levels, leading to an elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes.

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

• Heart Biopsy: This procedure involves removing a small tissue sample from the heart to identify the cause of heart-related symptoms or abnormalities.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This non-invasive test combines medication to stress your heart with a radioactive tracer to create images showing how well blood flows through your heart's arteries.
• Nuclear Cardiolites: A nuclear cardiology test uses a small amount of radioactive material to show how well blood flows through your heart muscle.
• Endomyocardial Biopsy: Endomyocardial biopsy involves removing a small amount of heart muscle tissue for laboratory analysis to identify the cause of heart problems.
• Saphenous Vein Harvest for CABG: Your surgeon will use a vein from your leg (saphenous vein harvest) as a graft to bypass narrowed coronary arteries in your heart during CABG surgery.
• Pharmacologic Stress Testing: Pharmacologic stress testing uses medication to make your heart work harder, helping doctors assess blood flow and identify potential heart problems.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: Nuclear stress testing helps doctors evaluate your heart's ability to get enough blood when it's working harder, which can help identify blockages in your arteries.

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

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. Our practice is dedicated to providing expert care for these conditions.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Whitney APRN?

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

Does Dr. Whitney APRN accept my insurance?

Dr. Whitney APRN's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly to confirm your specific insurance coverage for consultations and procedures.

How does Dr. Whitney APRN treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Whitney APRN employs a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, including personalized lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, stress reduction) and the prescription of appropriate medications. The goal is to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels to prevent potential long-term complications.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Whitney and our team at [Practice Name] often treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). We manage risk factors and perform procedures like angiography and stenting on leg arteries to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like leg pain.

I've had fainting spells. How do you determine the cause?

Evaluating fainting involves a thorough investigation, including EKGs, echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors. This helps us rule out any serious cardiac causes and ensure your safety. We will work together to determine the underlying reason for your fainting spells.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions 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 assess your heart's ability to work under stress.

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. Whitney APRN may prescribe medications like statins to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.