Dr. Ajay Mhatre, MD

Dr. Ajay Mhatre, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at the Cardiovascular Institute of Northwest Florida in Panama City, FL. He is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive cardiovascular care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Mhatre 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. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (850) 279-1255 to schedule.

Dr. Mhatre, board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, holds additional certifications in Vascular and Endovascular Medicine and is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation. He earned his medical degree from Florida State University, completed an internship at the University of Florida, and subsequently pursued residency and fellowship training in Cardiology at the University of Florida, focusing on the comprehensive medical care of all ages, with a strong emphasis on proactive health and risk reduction. Further enhancing his expertise, Dr. Mhatre completed an Advanced Coronary & Endovascular Intervention Fellowship at Phoenix Heart Center in Arizona. He's Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Board of Medical Specialties, Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He practices with a collaborative, evidence-based approach, creating a supportive environment to empower patients to take an active role in their health. Dr. Mhatre offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ajay Mhatre 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. Ajay Mhatre 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. Ajay Mhatre 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:

• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension, if left untreated, can lead to heart and lung damage; proactive management and regular monitoring are essential for preventing irreversible harm.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Protecting your heart means understanding mitral valve disease: regular checkups can help detect it early and minimize future problems.
• Heart Attack (NSTEMI): An NSTEMI, or a heart attack with partial blockage, emphasizes the need for early detection and intervention of cardiovascular risk factors to reduce the chances of future heart attacks and serious complications.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): While many people with a PFO live without issues, it can be a risk factor for stroke if a blood clot moves through it to the brain; addressing other risk factors like high blood pressure can lessen your stroke risk.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Rheumatic aortic valve disorders, often stemming from untreated strep throat, can be prevented by early detection and treatment of infections, protecting your heart valves and preventing future heart problems.
• Subacute Endocarditis: Catching subacute endocarditis early is crucial, as it can lead to heart valve damage and other life-threatening complications if left untreated, emphasizing the need for proactive healthcare.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack is a serious event, but understanding your risk factors and actively managing them can help prevent this life-threatening condition.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive chronic kidney disease means high blood pressure is damaging your kidneys, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent further harm and protect your heart health.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Sick sinus syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder where your heart's natural pacemaker doesn't work properly, making early detection and management crucial to prevent serious complications like fainting or heart failure.
• Atrial Septal Defect: Managing an atrial septal defect (ASD), a hole between the heart's upper chambers, is key to preventing strain on the heart and other cardiovascular problems that may arise from this condition.
• Hypertensive Heart with Failure: Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure shows how untreated high blood pressure can weaken your heart, making proactive management of your blood pressure crucial for preventing this progressive condition.
• Noninfective Endocarditis: By addressing risk factors like abnormal blood flow and valvular disease, you can actively prevent or significantly delay the onset and progression of noninfective endocarditis, preserving heart health.

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. Ajay Mhatre offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Thrombolysis: Protecting your heart and brain requires immediate action if a blood clot blocks an artery. Thrombolysis is a time-sensitive treatment that dissolves these clots, preventing permanent damage.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Protecting your heart is key – a cardiovascular stress test helps pinpoint potential weaknesses in your heart's performance before they lead to major health problems like a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: To proactively safeguard your heart health, this advanced procedure uses robotic assistance for a precise examination of your heart's arteries, helping identify and address potential problems before they become serious.
• Tilt Table Testing: By assessing your body's response to changes in position, a tilt table test can help detect hidden heart rhythm problems and prevent future health issues.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Take a proactive step towards a healthier heart by undergoing a structural heart disease evaluation to detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Proactive heart health management includes exploring cardiac ablation, a treatment that helps prevent life-threatening arrhythmias and improves overall heart function.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Don't wait for symptoms; proactively assess your heart health with an EKG, a simple test that can detect underlying issues and help prevent serious cardiovascular events.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm, helping prevent strokes and other complications from irregular heartbeats.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: A pharmacologic nuclear stress test is a safe and effective way to proactively check your heart's health by evaluating blood flow to detect potential problems early, before they become serious.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: To proactively safeguard your heart health, a myocardial perfusion imaging test provides detailed pictures of your heart's blood flow, aiding in the early diagnosis of blockages that could lead to serious cardiovascular events.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: A peripheral artery catheterization is a procedure that helps doctors check your blood flow to your legs and feet, allowing for early detection and prevention of serious circulatory problems.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: As part of your heart health journey, a dobutamine thallium stress test can reveal if your heart is getting enough blood, enabling early detection and management of potential problems.

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. Ajay Mhatre 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed their pulmonary hypertension, reducing the risk of future heart and lung damage and gaining peace of mind. Regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments allowed them to maintain a healthy quality of life.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their mitral valve health, reducing potential risks and gaining peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Ajay Mhatre:

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

A cardiologist is a medical doctor 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 that require specialized management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ajay Mhatre?

Your first visit with Dr. Mhatre will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, obtain an EKG, and discuss lifestyle and risk factors. This is the first step in creating a personalized heart health plan for you.

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

Taking control of your cardiovascular health is empowering. Key preventive actions include knowing and controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, being physically active, and eating a heart-healthy diet. These steps are crucial for a healthier heart and a better future.

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), and is it dangerous?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular and often rapid heartbeat. While the irregular rhythm itself is not usually life-threatening, it significantly increases the risk of stroke. Dr. Mhatre is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should, not that it has stopped working. It's a chronic condition, but manageable. Dr. Mhatre uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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 is performed through a catheter, leading to a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; Dr. Mhatre is an expert at determining the cause, often using an echocardiogram to see if the murmur is related to a heart valve problem that needs monitoring or treatment.

What is the difference between 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol?

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is like a helpful cleaner, removing "lousy" (LDL) cholesterol from your arteries. LDL cholesterol builds up plaque, potentially causing blockages. Dr. Mhatre helps manage both types to prevent heart disease.

Cardiovascular Institute of Northwest Florida
625 W Baldwin Rd
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 279-1255

Dr. Ajay Mhatre, MD 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): 1235227133

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. Ajay Mhatre 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.