Dr. Charles Doerner, DO

Dr. Charles Doerner, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at HCA Florida Heart Institute - Largo in Largo, 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (561) 765-6816 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Doerner is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in non-invasive cardiology, preventive cardiology, nuclear imaging and stress testing, echocardiography, and superficial venous disease. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, culminating in a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Cardiology at HCA Florida Largo Hospital, and Ohio Valley Medical Center & Northside Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. He further honed his expertise through a fellowship in cardiology at Largo Medical Center in 2023. He is Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Doerner is dedicated to providing his patients with individualized care and empowering them to make informed decisions about their heart health through education and patient involvement in treatment decisions. Consultations are primarily offered in English.

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

• Heart Disease: Protecting your heart starts with understanding heart disease—a range of conditions affecting your heart's ability to function properly—and proactively managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, making early detection and management crucial for preventing serious health problems.
• Systolic Heart Failure: Managing risk factors associated with systolic heart failure, such as diabetes and obesity, is vital for preventing the onset of this condition and preserving your heart health.
• Secondary Hypertension: Secondary hypertension means your high blood pressure is caused by another health condition, and managing that underlying condition is key to lowering your blood pressure and preventing heart problems.
• Heart Valve Disorders: Regular checkups are crucial for identifying heart valve problems early, enabling timely treatment to minimize long-term damage and improve quality of life.
• Second Degree Heart Block: Having a second-degree heart block means your heart's electrical system isn't working perfectly, leading to irregular heartbeats; proactive monitoring and treatment can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and other heart problems.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing pulmonary hypertension effectively reduces the strain on your heart and lungs, lowering your risk of stroke and other life-threatening events.
• Syncope: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor about fainting episodes are vital for proactive heart health and preventing dangerous consequences of syncope.
• Atherosclerosis of Aorta: Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the aorta can lead to serious cardiovascular events. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and working with your doctor to manage risk factors, you can actively prevent or delay this condition.
• Aortic Ectasia: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol is crucial in preventing or slowing the progression of aortic ectasia, a condition where the aorta expands.
• Atrial Flutter: Preventing serious heart complications like stroke starts with early detection of atrial flutter, a rapid heart rhythm that needs prompt medical attention.
• Sinus Tachycardia: While not always a cause for immediate concern, persistent sinus tachycardia highlights the importance of regular heart health check-ups and proactive risk assessment to prevent future cardiovascular events.

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 Doerner 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 MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: A cardiac MRI offers a comprehensive view of your heart and chest, providing critical information to detect and monitor cardiovascular diseases early on, thus promoting better management of your risk factors and improving overall heart health.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This imaging test helps doctors pinpoint areas of reduced blood flow to your heart, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes, making it a crucial step in proactive heart care.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Protect your heart by getting a cardiac ultrasound – a non-invasive scan that provides detailed images of your heart's structure and function, aiding in the early diagnosis of heart conditions.
• Cardioversion: Protecting your heart health starts with cardioversion, a procedure that corrects abnormal heart rhythms, reducing your risk of serious complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential problems early and prevent serious heart issues like heart attacks or strokes.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): PCI is a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked arteries in your heart, improving blood flow and reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Tilt_Testing: This test is a valuable tool in diagnosing neurocardiogenic syncope, a condition that can sometimes be related to heart health.
• 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.

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 Doerner 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 proactively managing cholesterol levels and adopting a heart-healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart disease, gaining peace of mind and a renewed sense of well-being.
• By adhering to a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their hyperlipidemia, significantly reducing their risk of heart disease and enjoying a healthier lifestyle. Early detection and consistent management brought peace of mind, empowering them to take control of their 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. Charles Doerner:

What is a Cardiologist, and when should I see one?

A cardiologist is a doctor 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 require specialized management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Charles Doerner?

Your first visit with Dr. Doerner will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. We'll also discuss lifestyle factors 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 achievable. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key. These 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, builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially leading to blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove LDL from the body. Dr. Doerner's practice helps manage both to prevent heart disease.

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

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, but manageable. Dr. Doerner uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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 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.

HCA Florida Heart Institute - Largo
1551 West Bay Dr Ste 300
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (561) 765-6816

Dr. Charles Doerner, 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): 1619403144

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 Doerner 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.