Dr. Alexandra Lucas, MD

Dr. Alexandra Lucas, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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, Dr. Lucas is not accepting new patients, but you can call (352) 265-0457 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Lucas brings over 35 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her experience includes practicing interventional cardiology and general cardiology. She is board certified in internal medicine and has spent the last 10 years practicing in the U.S. at the University of Florida and 17 years practicing in Canada at the Universities of Alberta and Western Ontario. She is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Dr. Lucas received her medical degree from Lester E Cox Medical Center, Burge School Of Nursing in 1987 and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. She also completed a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Alberta and a research fellowship at Tufts NEMC in Boston. Her special interests include basic research at ASU in the Personalized Diagnostics Center at ASO Biodesign Institute. Dr. Lucas' approach to care is deeply collaborative, rooted in evidence-based medicine, and designed to foster a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Lucas provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Unstable Angina: Experiencing unstable angina means your heart isn't getting enough blood, emphasizing the need for proactive lifestyle changes and medical management to reduce your risk of future heart problems.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing primary pulmonary hypertension effectively involves regular check-ups and medication to lower your lung blood pressure, thus preventing further damage to your heart and lungs.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Having both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease significantly increases your risk of heart problems and stroke; managing both conditions is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Aneurysm of Heart: A heart aneurysm can weaken the heart muscle; proactive heart health management helps identify and manage this condition, minimizing severe complications.
• Aortic Embolism and Thrombosis: Understanding your risk factors for blood clots and taking proactive steps like lifestyle modifications and medical management can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing an aortic embolism or thrombosis.
• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Preventing complications from mitral valve regurgitation involves proactive steps such as regular checkups, medication adherence, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Lipid Disorders: Regular check-ups to monitor your lipid levels can help identify and address any imbalances early on, preventing future heart problems.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Preventive care is crucial for pulmonary hypertension: by addressing this condition early, you can significantly improve your long-term heart health and quality of life.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Protecting your heart includes understanding and managing tricuspid valve disease; early diagnosis and treatment reduce your risk of significant cardiovascular issues.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure can develop over time, but by actively managing your cardiovascular risk factors, you significantly reduce your chances of developing this serious condition and improve long-term heart health.
• Aortic Valve Disease: Understanding your risk factors and actively managing aortic valve disease, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, is essential for preserving your heart health.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Managing DVT effectively means receiving prompt medical attention and following your doctor's treatment plan to prevent potentially fatal consequences and ensure better cardiovascular 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. Alexandra Lucas offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: As a proactive step toward better cardiovascular health, this ultrasound and plethysmography exam helps your doctor assess your blood flow, identifying any blockages or abnormalities that may increase your risk of heart disease or stroke.
• Coronary Angiogram: A coronary angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to visualize your heart's blood vessels, helping doctors detect blockages that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging offers a comprehensive view of your cardiovascular system, providing crucial information to identify silent conditions like coronary artery disease or heart valve problems, facilitating preventive measures and improving your long-term heart health.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: For early detection of potential heart problems and to take proactive steps for long-term heart health, a nuclear stress test allows your doctor to assess how well your heart responds to stress, which is essential in preventing future cardiovascular events.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting your future starts with an EKG, a non-invasive test that provides valuable insights into your heart's health, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging is a non-invasive scan that helps doctors assess how well blood flows to your heart muscle, allowing for early detection of potential heart problems and preventing future heart attacks or strokes.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Take charge of your heart health with a cardiovascular diagnostic test; it screens for hidden conditions, helping you make informed lifestyle choices and reduce your risk of future heart disease.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiac ultrasound; this imaging test screens for issues like heart valve problems and blockages, enabling timely interventions.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): A PAD screening helps detect narrowed arteries in your legs and feet, allowing for early treatment to prevent serious complications like heart attack or stroke.
• Treadmill Stress Test: This simple test helps determine if your heart is strong enough to handle physical activity and can reveal potential problems early on, allowing for timely intervention to prevent heart attacks or stroke.
• Tilt Table Testing: As a diagnostic tool, tilt table testing can reveal whether heart-related issues are contributing to your symptoms, leading to early intervention and improved cardiovascular health.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Proactively assess your cardiovascular risk with our HeartAware online screening tool – a simple step towards preventing future heart 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. Alexandra Lucas 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 adopting a heart-healthy diet and increasing regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of unstable angina, gaining greater peace of mind about their cardiovascular health.
• By adhering to a proactive medication regimen and consistent check-ups, a patient successfully maintained stable lung blood pressure, ensuring the long-term health of their heart and lungs.

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. Alexandra Lucas:

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. Alexandra Lucas?

Your first visit with Dr. Lucas 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 discuss lifestyle and risk factors, and create 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 achievable by managing blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, incorporating regular physical activity, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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 calcium score screening?

A calcium score screening is a special CT scan of the heart that measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. It's a powerful preventive tool to help Dr. Alexandra Lucas better understand your future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of your prevention strategy.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; however, Dr. Lucas 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 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. Lucas uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-0457

Dr. Alexandra Lucas, 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): 1801991419

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. Alexandra Lucas 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.