Dr. Charles Croft, MD

Dr. Charles Croft, MD is a Cardiology specializing in proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care at his clinic in Melbourne, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (321) 722-3288 to schedule.

Dr. Charles Croft, MD is a cardiologist in Melbourne, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Croft has extensive experience in Interventional Cardiac Procedures, Adult Congenital Heart Conditions, and Heart Conditions. He graduated from University Of Cape Town / Faculty Of Medicine in 1973 and 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 affiliated with medical facilities such as Viera Hospital and Holmes Regional Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Croft provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cardiomyopathy: Protecting your heart from cardiomyopathy involves managing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes to avoid further damage and improve your heart's function.
• Constrictive Pericarditis: Constrictive pericarditis is a serious condition where the heart's outer lining becomes thickened and stiff, hindering its ability to pump blood efficiently, making early detection crucial for preventing long-term heart damage.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: A heart-healthy lifestyle and proactive monitoring of cholesterol and blood pressure are essential for preventing Acute Coronary Syndrome, a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart.
• Aortic Aneurysm: By addressing risk factors and undergoing recommended screenings, you can significantly decrease your chances of developing an aortic aneurysm and protect yourself from its severe consequences.
• Unstable Angina: Experiencing unstable angina means your heart isn't getting enough blood, emphasizing the need for proactive lifestyle changes and medical management to reduce your risk of future heart problems.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing primary pulmonary hypertension effectively involves regular check-ups and medication to lower your lung blood pressure, thus preventing further damage to your heart and lungs.
• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Managing mitral valve regurgitation through lifestyle changes and medical treatments can significantly lessen its impact and protect your heart health.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Managing coronary artery disease effectively through healthy habits and prescribed treatments helps prevent further artery blockage, reducing the likelihood of future cardiovascular events.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): Having a PFO means you have a tiny opening in your heart from birth that may increase your chances of stroke if a blood clot forms; preventive measures like managing blood clotting factors are important to lower your risk.
• Septal Defect: A septal defect is a hole in the wall separating the heart's chambers, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent long-term complications.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that requires careful management to prevent heart disease and stroke; lifestyle changes and medication can make a big difference.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a gradual buildup of plaque in your arteries, and understanding your risk factors early on can help prevent heart disease and stroke.

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

• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Invest in your well-being with a cardiovascular diagnostic test; this screening helps assess the health of your heart and blood vessels, enabling early detection and management of potential problems.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: As a proactive measure to maintain your cardiovascular health, cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging offers a detailed picture of your heart's blood supply, enabling early detection of coronary artery disease and reducing your risk of future heart events.
• Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: As a proactive step toward a healthier heart, this procedure implants a device that monitors your heart's rhythm and can deliver shocks to correct potentially life-threatening irregularities.
• 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: A coronary angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to visualize your heart's blood vessels, helping doctors detect blockages that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• 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.
• Thrombolysis: Thrombolysis is a treatment that can quickly dissolve blood clots causing heart attacks or strokes, significantly improving your chances of recovery and preventing long-term damage.
• 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.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: For individuals at high risk of sudden cardiac death, an ICD implantation serves as a crucial preventative measure, continuously monitoring and correcting heart rhythm problems.
• Coronary Thrombectomy: If you've experienced a heart attack or stroke, coronary thrombectomy can be a life-saving procedure that removes blood clots and helps improve your chances of recovery.
• Tilt Table Testing: As a diagnostic tool, tilt table testing can reveal whether heart-related issues are contributing to your symptoms, leading to early intervention and improved cardiovascular health.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Arrhythmia screening helps detect irregular heartbeats early, potentially preventing serious complications like stroke and heart failure.

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. Charles Croft 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 closely monitoring their blood pressure and adhering to a heart-healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cardiomyopathy, fostering a sense of calm and confidence in their heart health.
• By proactively scheduling regular check-ups and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing constrictive pericarditis, 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. Charles Croft:

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. Charles Croft?

Your first visit with Dr. Croft 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 identify any potential risk factors and 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 achievable. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key preventive steps. These actions empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity. You walk on a treadmill while your electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood pressure are monitored. It's a crucial non-invasive tool to identify potential blockages in your coronary arteries.

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

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is helpful, carrying "bad" (LDL) cholesterol away from the body. "Bad" cholesterol can build up in arteries, causing blockages. Dr. Croft helps manage both types of cholesterol to prevent heart disease.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; however, Dr. Croft is an expert at determining the cause, often using an echocardiogram to see if the murmur is related to a heart valve problem that needs monitoring or treatment.

What is a cardiac ablation procedure?

A cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain types of fast heart rhythms. A heart specialist uses catheters to locate and eliminate the problematic heart tissue using heat or cold energy, often resolving the arrhythmia.

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.

1402 Oak St
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 722-3288

Dr. Charles Croft, 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): 1043296783

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. Charles Croft 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.