Dr. Andrew Panakos, MD

Dr. Andrew Panakos, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Boca Raton, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive cardiovascular care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Panakos understands that 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. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. Please call (561) 368-4444 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Andrew Panakos, MD is a cardiologist in Boca Raton, FL with extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions. He is affiliated with Bethesda Hospital East and Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Dr. Panakos is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care, and consultations are primarily offered in English.

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

• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Protecting your heart includes understanding and managing tricuspid valve disease; early diagnosis and treatment reduce your risk of significant cardiovascular issues.
• Acute Endocarditis: Protecting your heart from acute endocarditis involves understanding your risks and taking steps like practicing good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infection spreading to your heart.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm irregularity that can be prevented through proactive management of risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Syncope: Syncope, or fainting, can be a sign of an underlying heart problem, so seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Rheumatic mitral stenosis, a condition affecting the heart's mitral valve, underscores the value of preventive care in managing potential complications from untreated infections.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Preventing atrial fibrillation complications starts with understanding your risk factors and taking proactive steps to manage this irregular heartbeat.
• Cardiac Tamponade: Cardiac tamponade is a serious condition resulting from fluid accumulating around the heart, emphasizing the significance of managing risk factors and seeking immediate medical attention should symptoms arise.
• Malignant Heart Tumors: Although rare, malignant heart tumors can lead to serious heart problems. Early diagnosis through routine cardiac checkups, especially if you have risk factors, can significantly improve the chances of successful management.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Hypertensive heart disease means your high blood pressure is damaging your heart, making prevention through blood pressure control crucial to avoid serious complications.
• Infective Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart's inner lining, often preventable by practicing good oral hygiene and seeking prompt treatment for dental procedures and infections.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Early diagnosis of mitral valve disease is crucial, as treatment can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and other life-threatening events.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol are key to preventing congestive heart failure, a serious condition that impacts the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

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

• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: Cardiac catheterization with robotic assist is a minimally invasive procedure that helps doctors visualize your heart's blood vessels to detect blockages early, preventing future heart attacks or strokes.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: A vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography is a painless test that uses sound waves to check the health of your blood vessels, helping detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications like heart disease or stroke.
• Cardioversion: If you experience irregular heartbeats, cardioversion is a treatment option that can help restore a normal rhythm and improve your long-term cardiovascular health.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): PCI is a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked arteries in your heart, improving blood flow and reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Impella Device: To support your heart during major surgery, an Impella device can provide temporary assistance to ensure a successful procedure and faster recovery.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation (TAVR/TAVI): TAVR/TAVI is a newer, less-invasive way to treat a narrowed aortic valve, helping you avoid more extensive open-heart surgery and significantly improving heart function.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: To proactively manage your heart health, cardiac ablation can eliminate irregular heartbeats that might lead to stroke or heart failure.
• Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: This procedure involves inserting a wire into your heart's left ventricle to help prevent dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to stroke or sudden cardiac death.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): This procedure involves a thin tube inserted into your blood vessels to visualize your heart and coronary arteries, helping identify potential problems before they cause serious symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
• 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.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a simple yet powerful tool for preventing serious heart problems; it helps identify potential issues like weakened heart muscles or abnormal blood flow before they worsen.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: As a proactive measure against life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances, an ICD is implanted to monitor and correct irregular heartbeats, potentially saving your life.

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. Andrew Panakos 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 attending regular check-ups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their tricuspid valve health, reducing their risk of future cardiovascular problems and gaining peace of mind.
• By understanding their risk factors and diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient significantly reduced the chance of developing acute endocarditis, gaining peace of mind about their heart health.

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. Andrew Panakos:

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

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions related to 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 such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol that require specialized management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Andrew Panakos?

Your first visit with Dr. Panakos will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. We'll discuss your lifestyle and risk factors, and together, create a personalized heart health plan.

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

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

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. Panakos will work with you to use medications and lifestyle changes to improve your heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is like a helpful scavenger, removing "bad" (LDL) cholesterol from your body. "Bad" cholesterol, or LDL, is the lousy kind that builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially leading to blockages. Dr. Panakos helps manage both types to prevent heart disease.

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 heart 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 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. Panakos 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.

1000 NW 9th Ct Ste 101
Boca Raton FL 33486
Phone: (561) 368-4444

Dr. Andrew Panakos, 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): 1427491364

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. Andrew Panakos 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.