Dr. Barry Kusnick, MD

Dr. Barry Kusnick, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Saint Augustine, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a crucial partner in preventive health, focused on empowering patients to take control of their cardiovascular well-being. 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. Dr. Kusnick is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 825-4368 to schedule.

As a board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional cardiologist with the Lakeview Regional Physician Group, Dr. Kusnick brings extensive experience and expertise to his practice. He is fellowship trained in angioplasty and cardiovascular diseases, and his areas of clinical focus include cardiovascular disease management and treatment, coronary and peripheral intervention, carotid stenting, abdominal aortic stent grafts, and Marfan Disease. His commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Kusnick is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Coronary Angiography and Intervention, and a member of the American College of Physicians, the Society of Internal Medicine and the Louisiana State Medical Society. He earned his medical degree from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and completed his residency training in Cardiology at Tulane University Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Kusnick provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Biventricular Heart Failure: Early diagnosis of biventricular heart failure is vital as it allows for prompt treatment, potentially preventing further decline in heart function and improving your overall health.
• Unstable Angina: Because unstable angina indicates a significant blockage in your heart's blood vessels, early detection through regular checkups and attention to risk factors can dramatically lower your chances of severe cardiovascular events.
• Coronary Vessel Malformation: Coronary vessel malformations are birth defects affecting the heart's arteries, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications later in life.
• Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Rheumatic mitral stenosis is a heart valve problem that can develop after a strep throat infection, highlighting the importance of prompt treatment for preventing long-term heart damage.
• Aneurysm of Heart: An aneurysm of the heart is a bulge in a blood vessel within the heart, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent a potentially life-threatening rupture.
• First Degree Heart Block: First-degree heart block is a slow heart rhythm that, while often harmless, warrants monitoring to detect any progression that could lead to more serious heart problems.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Protecting your heart means understanding mitral valve disease: regular checkups can help detect it early and minimize future problems.
• Chronic Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Managing chronic venous embolism thrombosis focuses on preventing future blood clots from forming in the veins and traveling to your lungs, thereby preventing serious health consequences; it involves lifestyle modifications and potential long-term medication.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Sick sinus syndrome disrupts your heart's natural rhythm; early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential preventive measures to avoid severe consequences like heart failure or stroke.
• Aortic Dissection: Aortic dissection is a serious tear in the aorta, your body's largest artery, and early detection through regular checkups and awareness of risk factors is crucial for preventing life-threatening complications.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a serious heart condition requiring immediate medical attention, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent it.

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

• 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).
• Insertion of Epicardial Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: As a proactive step in managing your heart condition, this involves implanting a lead directly on your heart to improve its electrical function and reduce risk of serious events.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This test combines medication with special imaging to pinpoint areas of your heart that may not be receiving enough blood, enabling early diagnosis and preventative measures against heart disease and stroke.
• 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.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Arrhythmia screening helps detect irregular heartbeats early, potentially preventing serious complications like stroke and heart failure.
• 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.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's health under exertion, enabling early detection of potential heart problems and preventing future issues.
• 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.
• Cardiac Electrophysiology: This advanced heart test, cardiac electrophysiology, helps pinpoint the cause of irregular heart rhythms, enabling preventative measures to protect against future strokes or heart attacks.
• Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: Invest in your future well-being: cardiovascular disease counseling offers a comprehensive assessment of your cardiovascular health, enabling you to make informed decisions about your care.
• Vascular Surgical Procedure: Early detection and treatment of vascular problems are key to preventing heart disease and stroke. A vascular surgical procedure is a proactive step to address these issues and improve your long-term cardiovascular health.
• 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.

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. Barry Kusnick 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 prescribed medication regimen, a patient successfully managed atrial flutter, significantly reducing their risk of blood clots and strokes, and gaining peace of mind about their heart health.
• By proactively managing their heart health through regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing biventricular heart failure, gaining 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. Barry Kusnick:

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 that require expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Barry Kusnick?

Your first visit with Dr. Kusnick 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 understand your current heart health and create a personalized plan to address any concerns and promote a healthy heart.

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

Taking control of your cardiovascular health is achievable. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key steps to prevent a heart attack. By proactively addressing these factors, you are taking charge of your future heart health.

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

Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is caused by the same buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) that leads to coronary artery disease, but it affects the arteries in the legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, indicating a substantially increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

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. Kusnick better understand your future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of your prevention strategy.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a safe and painless ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart, allowing Dr. Kusnick to assess the strength of the heart muscle, check the function of the heart valves, and detect structural problems.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. You'll walk on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. It's a key non-invasive tool to detect potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

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.

100 Arricola Ave
Saint Augustine FL 32080
Phone: (904) 825-4368

Dr. Barry Kusnick, 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): 1194788117

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. Barry Kusnick 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.