Dr. Andrew Smock, MD

Dr. Andrew Smock, MD is a Cardiology specializing in proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care at The Cardiac & Vascular Institute – Gainesville/8th Avenue in Gainesville, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 517-2520 to schedule.

Dr. Smock's extensive experience in Cardiovascular care stems from over 30 years of dedicated practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland Medical System in 1994 and completed his internship and residency in Cardiology at the University of Florida. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine, deepening his expertise in this critical area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds a certificate for Special Competency in Cardiac Pacing & Cardioversion Defibrillation, as well as certifications in echocardiography and nuclear medicine. He maintains numerous professional affiliations and has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Medicine at the University of Florida. Dr. Smock's clinical interests include nutrition and wellness, and cardiac device implantation, reflecting his commitment to comprehensive patient care. His commitment to patient care and the comprehensive cardiovascular care philosophy of The Cardiac & Vascular Institute align perfectly to empower patients to proactively manage their heart health. Dr. Andrew Smock provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Second Degree Heart Block: Second-degree heart block is a type of heart rhythm disorder where the electrical signals that control your heartbeat are partially blocked, making early detection and management crucial to prevent serious complications like heart failure.
• Coronary Artery Calcification: Early detection of coronary artery calcification helps us manage your risk of heart attack or stroke through lifestyle changes and medication.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a dangerous blood clot that highlights the importance of cardiovascular health; taking preventative steps and seeking immediate medical help if symptoms arise is vital for preventing this dangerous condition.
• Venous Hypertension: Early identification and management of venous hypertension are crucial steps in preventing potentially dangerous complications, ensuring a healthier cardiovascular system.
• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Mitral valve regurgitation, a condition where your heart's mitral valve doesn't close tightly, can be managed to prevent serious heart problems later on.
• Mitral and Aortic Valve Disorder: Understanding your risk factors and undergoing screenings for mitral and aortic valve disorders allows for proactive intervention and prevents future heart issues.
• Heart Disease: Protecting your heart starts with understanding heart disease—a range of conditions affecting your heart's ability to function properly—and proactively managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• 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.
• Heart Valve Disorders: Understanding your risk for heart valve disorders, particularly with family history, enables preventative strategies to maintain a healthy heart and avoid severe complications.
• Ventricular Septal Defect: To prevent heart strain and potential future problems, it's important to effectively manage a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole between the heart's two lower chambers, with regular medical care.
• Atypical Atrial Flutter: Atypical atrial flutter can be a silent condition, emphasizing the need for proactive cardiovascular risk assessments and preventative strategies to minimize potential harm.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Protecting your heart from rheumatic aortic valve disease begins with preventing rheumatic fever through timely treatment of streptococcal infections, thereby reducing the risk of long-term heart complications.

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

• 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.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiac MRI – it's a non-invasive test that can identify potential heart issues before they become major problems, helping prevent strokes and heart attacks.
• 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: To proactively monitor your heart health, a peripheral artery catheterization provides a detailed look at the arteries in your limbs, helping diagnose and prevent conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: A pacemaker insertion or replacement helps regulate your heartbeat, preventing dangerous rhythms that can lead to stroke or heart failure.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: Taking charge of your heart health, an ICD implantation helps prevent fatal arrhythmias by detecting and treating them automatically, ensuring your safety.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: Protecting your heart's future starts with a nuclear stress test, which uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images showing how well blood flows to your heart muscle, thus allowing for early detection of coronary artery disease.
• Coronary Angiogram: As part of your preventative care, a coronary angiogram offers a clear picture of your heart's blood flow, helping your doctor develop a personalized plan to manage your cardiovascular risk factors.
• 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.
• 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.
• Thrombolysis: By dissolving blood clots that block blood flow to your heart or brain, thrombolysis is a life-saving treatment that can dramatically reduce the severity and long-term effects of heart attacks and strokes.
• 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.

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 Smock 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 heart rhythm through regular check-ups and lifestyle adjustments, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing serious complications from second-degree heart block, fostering peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By proactively scheduling screenings and following a heart-healthy lifestyle plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart attack or stroke, achieving peace of mind and a healthier future.

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 Smock:

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 have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, a family history of heart disease, or risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol that need expert management.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Smock will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform 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 involves managing blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, staying active, and eating a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack. By actively participating in your preventative care, you are shaping your own heart health destiny.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not only lower your blood pressure numbers but also prevent long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This involves foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and when needed, we'll add medication to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

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. Smock uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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. Smock is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

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

LDL, or "lousy" cholesterol, builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially causing blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove this LDL from your body. Dr. Smock and our team work to manage both types of cholesterol to help prevent heart disease.

What is a stent, and how is it placed?

A stent is a tiny, wire-mesh tube that acts as a scaffold to prop open a blocked artery. It's placed during a minimally invasive procedure called an angioplasty, where a catheter is guided through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin up to the heart.

The Cardiac & Vascular Institute - Gainesville/8th Avenue
4645 NW 8th Ave
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 517-2520

Dr. Andrew Smock, 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): 1801862768

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 Smock 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.