Dr. Ashok Sharma, MD

Dr. Ashok Sharma, MD is a Cardiology specialist at Broward Health Physician Group in Plantation, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. He 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. 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 (954) 382-0700 to schedule.

Dr. Ashok Sharma, MD is a cardiologist in Plantation, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Heart Conditions and Adult Congenital Heart Conditions. Dr. Sharma earned his medical degree from University of Missouri / Columbia Campus in 1990 and is affiliated with Broward Health Medical Center. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Sharma provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Benign Heart Tumors: Even though benign, heart tumors can still affect your cardiovascular system. Regular screenings help catch them early, allowing for appropriate management and prevention of future issues.
• Acute Endocarditis: Early diagnosis and treatment of heart valve infections like acute endocarditis can prevent life-threatening complications and improve long-term cardiovascular health.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Protecting your heart includes understanding and managing tricuspid valve disease; early diagnosis and treatment reduce your risk of significant cardiovascular issues.
• 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.
• 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.
• Aortic Dissection: Preventing aortic dissection involves addressing risk factors like high blood pressure and connective tissue disorders through consistent medical care and lifestyle adjustments to minimize the risk of this dangerous arterial tear.
• Atypical Atrial Flutter: Managing atypical atrial flutter effectively through medication or procedures helps prevent blood clots, thus reducing your risk of a potentially life-threatening stroke.
• Congenital Heart Disease: Managing congenital heart disease effectively, often through medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes, helps prevent future heart problems and ensures a healthier life.
• Atherosclerosis: Managing atherosclerosis effectively means proactively lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke through lifestyle changes and medical intervention.
• Biventricular Heart Failure: Protecting your heart from biventricular heart failure involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage them, such as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, to avoid serious complications.
• Atrial Flutter: Managing atrial flutter effectively through medication or other treatments helps lower your risk of blood clots and subsequent strokes, protecting your long-term heart health.
• Pulmonary Valve Disease: Pulmonary valve disease, if detected early and managed effectively, can prevent serious complications like heart failure and shortness of breath.

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

• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): If you have significant coronary artery disease, PCI is a procedure to widen narrowed arteries, helping to reduce chest pain and improve your overall heart health.
• 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.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: Taking proactive steps for heart health, this test uses medication and imaging to screen for narrowed heart arteries, potentially preventing future cardiovascular events.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Don't wait for symptoms – proactive PAD screening helps identify and treat artery narrowing in your legs and feet before they cause significant health issues.
• 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.
• 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.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Get a clear picture of your heart health with HeartAware's convenient online risk assessment, helping you take control of your cardiovascular future.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac ablation is a procedure that precisely targets and corrects abnormal electrical pathways in your heart, reducing your risk of serious heart events.
• Tilt_Testing: As a preventative measure, tilt table testing can assess your risk of syncope (fainting), which could be linked to underlying heart problems.
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: This procedure involves placing or replacing a small device to maintain a steady heart rhythm, reducing your risk of life-threatening heart issues.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Ashok Sharma 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 adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient was able to detect a benign heart tumor early, enabling swift intervention and significantly reducing the risk of future cardiovascular problems. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By understanding their risk factors and diligently following a proactive heart health plan, a patient gained confidence in preventing acute endocarditis and its potential complications. This proactive approach ensured their long-term cardiovascular well-being.

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. Ashok Sharma:

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 expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ashok Sharma?

Your first visit with Dr. Sharma will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. We'll also discuss lifestyle choices and risk factors to 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 within your reach. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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

LDL, or "lousy" cholesterol, can build up plaque in your arteries, potentially leading to blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove LDL from the body. Dr. Sharma helps manage both types to prevent heart disease.

How is Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) related to heart disease?

Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is caused by the same process as coronary artery disease—atherosclerosis. This plaque buildup affects the arteries in the legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, indicating a very high risk of heart attack and stroke.

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.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We treat high blood pressure by focusing on preventing long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This involves foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and when necessary, we add medication to help 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 that can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes, which Dr. Sharma will work with you to develop. These strategies aim to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

Broward Health Physician Group
260 SW 84th Ave
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (954) 382-0700

Dr. Ashok Sharma, 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): 1427013523

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. Ashok Sharma 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.