Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV, DO

Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to collaborating with you to design a tailored approach to maintaining your well-being. Please call (352) 273-9065 to confirm if Dr. Dragstedt IV is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV, DO is an internist in Gainesville, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Capital Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Osteopathic Medicine and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing the highest quality care, and understands the importance of preventative measures in maintaining overall health. Dr. Dragstedt IV provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV 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. Carl Dragstedt IV 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. Carl Dragstedt IV 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:

• Mitral Valve Disease: Regular monitoring and proactive management of mitral valve disease are crucial to prevent further damage to your heart and maintain your overall well-being.
• Limb Swelling: Don't ignore limb swelling; it could be a warning sign of a developing chronic disease, and early intervention through preventive care can significantly improve outcomes.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Managing mitral valve prolapse effectively through lifestyle changes and medical guidance can help you maintain heart health and avoid serious consequences.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing primary pulmonary hypertension involves lifestyle changes and medications to control blood pressure in your lung arteries, thus preventing long-term damage to your heart and lungs.
• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Mitral valve regurgitation, a condition where your heart's mitral valve doesn't close tightly enough, can be managed effectively with early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent serious heart problems.
• Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is an irregular heartbeat that, if left undetected, can increase your risk of stroke and heart failure, highlighting the importance of regular heart checkups.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic lung conditions affecting the heart can be better managed with proactive care, including regular monitoring and medication adherence, minimizing future health issues.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Protecting your heart and kidneys starts with understanding your risk factors for high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, enabling early detection and preventive strategies.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Prompt treatment of UTIs is crucial to prevent them from spreading to your kidneys, causing more severe health issues.
• Shortness of Breath: Experiencing shortness of breath? Don't ignore it – proactive monitoring and medical attention can help identify and manage potential heart or lung problems before they worsen.
• Long QT Syndrome: Regular check-ups and proactive monitoring are crucial for individuals with Long QT syndrome to prevent serious complications and maintain heart health.
• Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a condition where your heart muscle weakens, making it harder to pump blood effectively; regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices can help detect it early and prevent serious problems.

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

• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a procedure that can restore a normal heart rhythm, helping prevent serious complications from irregular heartbeats.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: Taking a proactive approach to heart health, this test is a valuable tool in identifying any areas of reduced blood flow to your heart, allowing for timely intervention to prevent serious complications.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging helps us take a closer look at your heart to detect potential problems early, allowing for timely interventions and preventing future heart-related issues.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a cardiovascular stress test can help your doctor determine your risk for heart disease and guide personalized prevention strategies.
• TCD Bubble Test: As part of your comprehensive preventative care, a TCD bubble test can be used to detect air bubbles in your blood that might indicate a serious underlying health issue, allowing for timely intervention.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to create images of your heart, helping your doctor detect potential problems early and prevent serious heart conditions.
• Tilt_Testing: This test helps your doctor understand why you might be experiencing lightheadedness or fainting, leading to better prevention and treatment strategies.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): For a thorough check-up of your heart and lungs, a chest CT scan offers detailed images, allowing for early detection and improved treatment outcomes.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Improve your heart health by utilizing HeartAware's risk assessment; it could reveal potential issues needing attention, allowing for early treatment.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: Protecting your heart and circulatory system, this non-invasive procedure uses ultrasound to assess blood flow and identify potential problems that can lead to cardiovascular complications.
• Tilt Table Testing: To prevent unexplained fainting spells and improve your overall well-being, your doctor may recommend tilt table testing to pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: Taking charge of your heart health starts with a dobutamine thallium stress test, a non-invasive procedure that helps screen for and prevent future heart-related 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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV 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 Adult Patient's life:

• By adhering to a proactive monitoring schedule, a patient significantly reduced the risk of further mitral valve damage, gaining peace of mind about their heart health.
• Recognizing the early signs of potential limb swelling and working with a healthcare provider to address underlying issues, a patient was able to proactively manage their condition, reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.
• By following a personalized preventive plan, a patient successfully managed their mitral valve prolapse, maintaining a healthy heart and avoiding potential complications. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and empowered them to live a full and active life.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Dragstedt IV, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions adults may experience.

How does Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Dragstedt IV excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Dragstedt IV and his team take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We emphasize lifestyle modifications and healthy habits to support overall well-being.

Does Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Dragstedt IV and his team work closely with our hospitalist program to provide seamless care for patients admitted to the hospital. They coordinate with the hospitalist team to ensure your care is well-managed from admission to discharge, maintaining continuity of care throughout your stay.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure target for you.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, shingles vaccines (Shingrix), and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are especially important to protect against complications. Our practice can help you determine which vaccines are right for you.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Dragstedt IV can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and dietary adjustments, to prevent further liver complications.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Dragstedt IV and our team carefully review all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and create the simplest and most effective treatment plan possible.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-9065

Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV, DO 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): 1962591727

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. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Carl Dragstedt IV 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 internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.