Dr. Chad Harris, DO

Dr. Chad Harris, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at Brandon Regional Hospital - Cardiovascular Disease GME Program in Brandon, FL. He is deeply 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). 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. Chad Harris, DO is a cardiologist in Brandon, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and his approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if Dr. Harris is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 684-6000. Dr. Chad Harris provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hypertensive Heart with Failure: Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure means your high blood pressure has damaged your heart's ability to pump blood effectively, highlighting the importance of regular blood pressure checks and managing hypertension to prevent further complications.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: If you have high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, it's essential to work with your doctor to control these conditions and lower your risk of cardiovascular events like stroke.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat that increases your risk of stroke, so early detection and treatment are crucial for prevention.
• Arrhythmias: Managing an arrhythmia through lifestyle changes and/or medication is crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening events such as stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.
• 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.
• Cardiomyopathy: By addressing risk factors and seeking timely medical care, you can significantly reduce the severity of cardiomyopathy and improve your overall heart health and quality of life.
• Atherosclerosis of Aorta: Preventing the progression of atherosclerosis in your aorta involves managing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes to avoid potentially life-threatening complications like aortic aneurysm or dissection.
• Heart Disease: Managing heart disease effectively involves understanding your risk factors, making positive lifestyle choices, and collaborating with your healthcare provider to control conditions and avoid future heart problems.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Protecting your heart includes understanding and managing tricuspid valve disease; early diagnosis and treatment reduce your risk of significant cardiovascular issues.
• 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.
• Rheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Managing rheumatic tricuspid disease effectively involves regular monitoring and often medication to control symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing, thereby ensuring a better quality of life.
• Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is a type of irregular heartbeat that can be managed to reduce your chances of developing serious heart conditions, emphasizing the role of proactive healthcare.

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

• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): To proactively safeguard your heart health, a cardiac catheterization uses special imaging to detect narrowed or blocked arteries, enabling timely treatment and reducing your risk of future cardiovascular events.
• 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Take charge of your heart health with an EKG—a quick, painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other abnormalities that could lead to life-threatening conditions.
• Tilt_Testing: As a preventative measure, tilt table testing can assess your risk of syncope (fainting), which could be linked to underlying heart problems.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: To proactively safeguard your heart health, consider a vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography; this non-invasive scan helps identify blockages or other issues in your arteries and veins before they become major problems.
• Stress Echocardiography: This preventative test uses ultrasound and exercise to evaluate your heart's ability to handle physical exertion, enabling early diagnosis of potential heart problems and facilitating timely intervention.
• Venography: As a proactive step in managing your cardiovascular health, a venography uses X-rays and a special dye to visualize your veins, helping to detect problems early and prevent complications.

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. Chad Harris 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 proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed their blood pressure, significantly reducing the risk of hypertensive heart disease with heart failure and enjoying a healthier, more fulfilling life.
• By adhering to a personalized treatment plan and diligently managing their blood pressure, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing hypertensive heart disease and chronic kidney disease, ensuring 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. Chad Harris:

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 needing expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Chad Harris?

Your first visit with Dr. Harris will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, and perform an EKG. This will also include a discussion of your lifestyle and risk factors, which are key to creating 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 is within your reach. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key to preventing heart attacks. These proactive steps empower you to shape your own heart health destiny.

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 to the heart.

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

LDL, or "lousy" cholesterol, builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially leading to blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove this LDL from your body. Dr. Harris helps manage both to prevent heart disease.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. You walk on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. This non-invasive test helps identify potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

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 isn't usually life-threatening, it significantly increases the risk of stroke. Dr. Harris is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

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.

Brandon Regional Hospital - Cardiovascular Disease GME Program
119 Oakfield Dr
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (813) 684-6000

Dr. Chad Harris, 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): 1629539259

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. Chad Harris 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.