Cardiology

the rhythm of life

Vladimir Curkovic, MD, FACCThe American Board of Internal Medicine

Cardiovascular Diseases, Interventional Cardiology

Shafqat Farooqi, MD, FACCThe American Board of Internal Medicine

Cardiovascular Diseases

Hector L. Fontanet, MD, FACCThe American Board of Internal Medicine

Cardiovascular Diseases, Echocardiography, Nuclear CardiologyHeart Rhythm Society, Special Competency in Cardiac Pacing and

Cardioversion-defibrillation

Joan Stelzner, ARNP, MSAdult Nurse Practitioner

The Cardiology Department of Florida Medical Clinic welcomes you. With this brochure we are proud to introduce our “New Image of Cardiology” offering the most advanced cardiac care and technology to patients in this area. Please take the time to review this brochure as you consider your options in choosing the right Cardiologist. Our philosophy as Cardiovascular Specialists is to be dedicated to preserving, improving and promoting cardiovascular health. We recognize our unique obligation to those we serve and provide care with honesty and integrity, compassion, and excellence in a setting of the highest quality of cardiovascular care. We pledge to continually improve our commitment to quality through accountability, compassion and leadership for the people we serve.

Our offices in Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills are equipped to provide prompt consultative and acute care to area families in both the hospital and outpatient settings.

“Keeping your heart beating is our life’s work”

The Department of Cardiology provides outpatient and diagnostic evaluation including:

♥ Heart Failure Program♥ Pacemaker and ICD Maintenance♥ Echocardiography♥ Nuclear Cardiology♥ Holter and Event Monitoring♥ Tilt Table Testing♥ Interventional Cardiology♥ Coronary and Vascular Disease Prevention♥ Arrhythmia and Rhythm Disorder Management

Program

Dr. Farooqi was born in Pakistan. He has lived and practiced Cardiology in the United States since 1976. He completed his Cardiology fellowship at University Hospital of West Virginia. Married with three teenage children, Dr. Farooqi brings an abundance of experience and knowledge to our Florida Medical Clinic Cardiology Department. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Shafqat Farooqi, MD, FACC

Ms. Stelzner is a board certified Adult Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tampa and her Master of Science degree from the University of South Florida. Ms. Stelzner has over 10 years of cardiac experience and has a special interest in acute cardiac care and lipid management. She is married and has two children.Joan M.

Stelzner, ARNP

Dr. Fontanet was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He completed his cardiology fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases and Echocardiography and has special competency Certification by the Council of Nuclear Cardiology and NASPE. Dr. Fontanet is married with three teenage children.

Hector L. Fontanet, MD, FACC

Dr. Curkovic was born in Croatia. He has lived and practiced Cardiology in the United States since 1989. He completed his cardiology fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York with additional fellowship designation in interventional cardiology. Dr. Cukovic is married with two children. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Interventional Cardiology.Vladimir

Curkovic, MD, FACC

Nuclear Stress Test

Nuclear Imaging is used in the evaluation of individuals with chest pain and other symptoms caused by physical exertion and in the follow-up of patients treated for hardening of the arteries with such procedures as balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery. During nuclear imaging small amounts of radioactive materials are used along with a specialized camera and computer to provide precise pictures of the heart and arteries that can detect blockages of arteries.

Non Invasive Cardiology Procedures

Echocardiogram and Doppler

Echocardiography is a procedure that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. Sonar waves are directed through the heart via a probe placed on the chest. Reflected sound waves are harnessed to produce heart images. The images are analyzed to assess how the heart functions as a pump, the integrity of the heart valves, and assess the overall anatomy and function of the heart.

24 Hour Holter and Event Recorders

Event monitoring utilizes a small, portable, battery-powered machine used by a patient to record an electrocardiogram over a long period of time. Patients may keep the recorder for several weeks. Each time symptoms are experienced, the patient presses a button on the recorder to record the EKG sample. As soon as possible, this sample is transmitted to the doctor’s office by telephone hookup for evaluation.

Tilt Table Test

The tilt table test is designed to evaluate the function of the patient’s blood pressure sensors and ability to maintain a normal blood pressure. During this simple examination the patient is standing up, strapped to a table at 80 degrees. Vital signs and electrocardiogram are constantly monitored. This study is used in the evaluation of dizziness and fainting spells.

Cardioversion

Cardioversion is the delivery of an electric shock to the heart in order to restore normal rhythm to the heart. The procedure requires that the patient be sedated. The doctor then delivers an electric shock to the heart via paddles on the patient’s chest. This momentarily stops the electrical activity of the heart, allowing it to return to a normal rhythm. Normal rhythm is usually restored, but occasionally the procedure needs to be repeated several times. The patient is monitored closely throughout the procedure and afterward. The sedation usually wears off quickly and the patient will recover prior to going home. However, due to possible mild lingering effects of anesthesia, the patient should not drive or use heavy machinery for the remainder of the day.

Non Invasive Cardiology Procedures

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Transesophageal Echocardiography is a useful tool that uses ultrasound waves to produce images that will allow your cardiologist to see small detailed structures and vessels within the heart. The images are obtained by placing a tube into your mouth and passing it into the esophagus. TEE is used to evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatments and frequently used in the evaluation of strokes and TIA's to asses for the presence of small clots within the heart chambers and major arteries.

Interventional procedures are non surgical procedures used to open blockages in the heart and improve blood flow to the heart. These procedures start out the same way as cardiac catheterizations and are performed by cardiologists specializing in interventional cardiology.

Cardiac Catheterization

After a sequence of diagnostic testing and complete cardiac history, a cardiac catheterization may be necessary to more precisely evaluate or confirm the presence of coronary disease, evaluate heart function and determine the need for further treatment. The physician inserts a catheter into a blood vessel all the way to the heart in order to see the blood flowing through the heart and coronary arteries.

Balloon Angioplasty (PTCA)

A small balloon at the tip of a specially designed catheter is inflated to compress the fatty matter into the artery wall and stretch the artery open to increase blood flow to the heart.

Cutting Balloon Angioplasty

A special balloon tip catheter with small blades is inserted into the narrowed artery and, after inflation; the blades are activated to score the plaque. The balloon compresses the loosened fatty matter into the artery wall.

Stenting

A small, metal, mesh cylinder is inserted into the narrowed artery with a balloon catheter. When the balloon tip is inflated, the stent expands to the size of the artery and holds it open. The balloon is deflated and removed, and the stent stays in place permanently.

Interventional Cardiology Procedures

Pacemakers

A pacemaker is a surgically implanted device that regulates heart rhythm. A normal heart can beat from 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest. An electrical signal results in the heartbeat. Any interruption of the normal flow of electrical signals causes an abnormal heart beat. When the heart beats too slow or too quick, blood flow to the body will decrease. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, difficulty in breathing and chest pain. When abnormal heart rhythms cannot be corrected by medication, a pacemaker may be necessary.

Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICD)

An ICD is an electronic device that constantly monitors heart rate and rhythm. When it detects a very fast abnormal life threatening heart rhythm, it delivers energy to the heart muscle which causes the heart to beat normally again. An ICD may be necessary for people who have had an episode of sudden death or ventricular fibrillation, and certain patients after a large heart attack or have moderate to severe heart failure on maximal medication and other rare heart conditions.

Anticoagulation Clinic

Offers safe and effective treatment of patients on anticoagulation. In certain patients, anticoagulation with Coumadin is necessary. The dose of this medication, unlike that of most, needs adjustment since each patient responds differently. The Anticoagulation Clinic is designed to systematically assess the level of anticoagulation and promptly adjust the dose of blood thinners.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Because of the relative rarity and complexity of surgically corrected congenital heart disease, a new subspecialty of cardiology has developed to provide adult patients with congenital heart disease the appropriate expertise in their care. Dr. Fontanet is a board certified cardiologist specializing in non-invasive cardiac diagnosis and congenital heart disease.

Arrhythmias and Syncope

Arrhythmias are disorders of the regular beating of the heart. Arrhythmias can occur in the healthy heart and be of no clinical significance. They can also indicate serious problems that can lead to stroke or sudden cardiac death. Holter Monitor, Transtelephonic Event Monitor and Tilt Table Testing are among the services provided in the Arrhythmia Clinic.

Cardiac Care Subspecialty Clinics

Atherosclerosis and Coronary Disease Prevention Clinic

This comprehensive program allows for the diagnosis and treatment of any form of atherosclerosis in the body. A number of diagnostic studies are available to establish early diagnosis including nuclear cardiology, vascular ultrasound, and MRI or CT angiography. Some patients may require invasive interventions and subsequent follow up services provided by our cardiologists.

Congestive Heart Failure

The dedicated clinical staff of the Heart Failure Clinic provide comprehensive work-ups and follow-up with attention to detail. This is a necessary element in successful treatment programs. The clinic offers outpatient inotropic infusions, implant and follow up of Bi-ventricular pacemakers.

Lipid Clinic

The clinic emphasizes treatment of common and unusual forms of lipid disorders. Several studies have shown that Lipid Clinics such as the one at Florida Medical Clinic will be the most effective in preventing progression of coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease.

Pacemakers and ICDs

Our Pacemaker Clinic was established to provide appropriate follow up after the completion of electrophysiologic procedures, pacemaker and ICD implantation. Most importantly, the devices function as sophisticated internal rhythm recorders. This information is used by our specialists to monitor and treat your condition.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare and life threatening illness. The clinic offers expert evaluation as to the cause of the disease and the opportunity for advanced treatment options and referral to other specialists involved in the care of patients with pulmonary hypertension at Florida Medical Clinic.

If you have an emergency do not call the office. This may delay you. Please call 911 and ask the ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital of your choice. Please ask the emergency room physician to call our office.

Emergency

Laboratory Results

Our physicians will thoroughly review the results provided by the diagnostic center before the information is released to you. In most cases, we will have the results to you within 3-5 business days of the testing. A nurse or medical assistant will contact you with your results. If you have not heard from us within 5 days, we ask that you call the office and ask to speak with a nurse about your test results.

Getting Results

Wesley Chapel813-929-3516

813-907-2395 fax

Zephyrhills813-788-5575

813-783-7732 fax

It is important to take your prescription medications regularly. Therefore, we request that you contact our office at least three days before you run out of medication. FAX or telephone the office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for prescription refills. Please provide the following information:

♥ Patient name

♥ Pharmacy name

♥ Pharmacy phone number

♥ Drug name and Dosage

Please note: we do not refill prescriptions in the evening or on weekends

The fastest way to get a prescription refill is to

contact your local pharmacy with your

request and your physician's name

and telephone number.

The pharmacist will contact our office directly with the appropriate information. You can then pick up your prescription at the designated time. In certain cases, the physician will ask to see you before providing a refill.

Our medical staff is available to speak with you should you have any questions regarding your prescription. Please leave your name, name of the prescribed medication, and a telephone number where you can be reached after 5 p.m..

Refilling Prescriptions

General InquiresWe encourage you to call our office with general

inquiries, to make appointments, ask routine medical questions or request prescription renewals. Please call during business hours Monday through Friday 813-788-5575 (Zephyrhills) or 813-929-3516 (Wesley Chapel).

Florida Medical Clinic is a nucleus of over 70 multi-specialty physicians, combined with more than 700 highly skilled nurses, medical professionals, and supplementary departments offering a network of medical support for our community. Our goal is to contribute to the well being of our patients while constantly evaluating how to improve what we do.

The ancillary departments self contained within our clinic are one of the most extensive support systems offered to patients in our area. These services include x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, nuclear medicine, CT, MRI, echo-cardiogram, stress testing, pulmonary function, optical, physical therapy, pharmacy, outpatient surgery, diagnostic laboratory, lipid clinic, and clinical research. Making these services available to our patients on site gives our physicians the opportunity to personally manage your healthcare, and saves our patients time and money by providing these services in the same location as the doctor. Plus, if your needs are urgent, these on site services enable us to respond quickly if necessary.

What is Florida Medical Clinic?

Allergy & Asthma

Cardiology

Dermatology

Family Practice

Gastroenterology

General Surgery

Hematology/Oncology

Hospital Medicine

Infectious Diseases

Internal Medicine

Nephrology

Ophthalmology

Orthopaedics

Psychiatry

Pulmonology

Radiology

Rheumatology

Sleep Disorders

Urology

Vascular Surgery

Our physician specialties include:

Zephyrhills38135 Market Square

813.788.5575813.783.7732 Fax

Wesley Chapel27343 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

813.929.3516813.907.2395 Fax

WESLEY CHAPEL ZEPHYRHILLS