Cynthia Paulikas, APRN

Cynthia Paulikas, APRN is a Cardiology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) practicing at AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiovascular Surgery at Orlando in Orlando, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. Your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke, collaborating with you to create a long-term health plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage cardiovascular risk factors for a lifetime of wellness. She serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. Currently, she is not accepting new patients, but you can call (407) 425-1566 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Cynthia APRN is a cardiology specialist in Orlando, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital. She completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, and her care philosophy emphasizes listening to patient concerns and holistic well-being. As a nurse practitioner, she takes the time to care for your mind, body, and spirit. While she is committed to providing exceptional care, she is not currently accepting new patients. Dr. Cynthia APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Cynthia APRN is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Cynthia APRN can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Cynthia APRN provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Heart Disease: Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect your heart, and taking steps to prevent it through lifestyle changes and regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• Ischemia: Recognizing and addressing the symptoms of ischemia early on is key to preventing irreversible damage to your heart and reducing your chances of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiogenic Shock: Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition where your heart can't pump enough blood to your body's organs, highlighting the critical need for proactive heart health management to prevent such severe complications.
• Congenital Septal Defect: A congenital septal defect is a structural heart problem you're born with; proactive management, often involving regular check-ups and sometimes surgery, helps prevent long-term health challenges.
• Angina: Angina signals potential problems with your heart's blood supply, making it crucial to seek medical attention to manage your risk factors and avoid future heart events.
• Peripheral Arterial Aneurysm: Peripheral arterial aneurysms are serious but often treatable. Controlling risk factors such as high cholesterol and diabetes is key to preventing their formation or reducing their size.
• Diastolic Dysfunction: Protecting your heart health requires attention to diastolic dysfunction, where your heart muscle doesn't relax enough between beats, affecting blood flow; lifestyle changes and medical intervention can prevent this from worsening.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Cynthia APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Aortic Reconstruction Surgery: As a proactive measure against cardiovascular disease, aortic reconstruction surgery aims to repair a damaged aorta, improving blood flow and overall heart function.
• Mechanical Circulatory Support System: If your heart is struggling to pump effectively, a mechanical circulatory support system can help maintain vital blood flow, preventing organ damage and giving your body time to recover or prepare for transplant.
• Ankle–Brachial Index Test: Ankle-brachial index testing is a vital tool for assessing your risk of cardiovascular problems. This non-invasive test helps identify blockages in the leg arteries which may indicate similar issues in your heart.
• Insertion of Epicardial Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: To prevent sudden cardiac death or debilitating arrhythmias, this involves connecting a pacemaker or defibrillator to your heart via a lead placed directly on the heart's surface.
• Coronary Thrombectomy: Taking a proactive step towards better heart health, coronary thrombectomy clears blocked arteries, significantly reducing your risk of future cardiovascular events.
• Swan-Ganz Interpretation: As a proactive step in preventing heart disease, a Swan-Ganz catheter provides critical data to guide treatment and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: This procedure helps screen for potential blockages in your leg and foot arteries, allowing doctors to take steps to improve your circulation and reduce your risk of future complications.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Cardiology in Florida.

Dr. Cynthia APRN is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By proactively managing their cholesterol and blood pressure, a patient significantly lowered their risk for heart disease, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By proactively addressing potential ischemia symptoms and following a personalized plan, a patient experienced a significant reduction in risk factors, gaining peace of mind and a healthier outlook for the future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Cardiovascular care with Dr. Cynthia APRN:

What is a Cardiologist, and when should I see one?

A cardiologist is a medical expert specializing in the heart and blood vessels. You should see a cardiologist if you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, have a family history of heart disease, or have risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol needing expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Cynthia APRN?

Your first visit with Dr. Cynthia APRN will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. This will help us understand your current heart health and create a personalized plan to promote a healthy heart for years to come.

What are the most important things I can do to prevent a heart attack?

Taking control of your cardiovascular health is achievable. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key. These steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is a pacemaker, and who needs one?

A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted under the skin to help regulate a slow or irregular heartbeat. It's needed when the heart's natural electrical system isn't working correctly, ensuring the heart beats at a proper, steady rate.

What is the purpose of cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help patients recover from heart conditions like heart attacks, stents, or surgery. It strengthens the heart, reduces risk factors, and helps patients safely regain their confidence and quality of life.

What is a TAVR procedure?

TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, is a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR uses a catheter, leading to a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

What is a cardiac ablation procedure?

A cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain types of fast heart rhythms. A specialist uses catheters to locate and eliminate the small area of heart tissue causing the problem, often curing the arrhythmia, using heat or cold energy.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a safe and painless ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart, allowing Dr. Cynthia APRN to assess the strength of the heart muscle, check the function of the heart valves, and detect structural problems.

AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiovascular Surgery at Orlando
217 Hillcrest St
Orlando FL 32801
Phone: (407) 425-1566

Cynthia Paulikas, APRN is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1083930150

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Cardiology like Dr. Cynthia APRN are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your cardiology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.