Dr. David Ancona, MD

Dr. David Ancona, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at David Ancona MD, FACC in Pembroke Pines, FL. He is dedicated 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. Ancona is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (954) 432-1771 to schedule.

David R. Ancona, MD, a practicing Cardiologist (Heart Specialist) in Pembroke Pines, FL for 39 years, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he earned his medical degree from State University Of New York Upstate Medical University Norton College Of Medicine in 1979 and completed an internship at University Ky|University Of Kentucky (graduated 1980). His residency training in Cardiology was at University Of Kentucky, followed by fellowship training in University Conn|University Of Connecticut (graduated 1984), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He 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 completed a residency at St Francis Hospital Medical Center and is affiliated with Memorial Hospital West. Dr. Ancona primarily provides consultations in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. David Ancona 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. David Ancona 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. David Ancona 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 Stenosis: Regular monitoring and prompt treatment of mitral valve stenosis are key to preventing irreversible damage and maintaining good heart health.
• Secondary Hypertension: Managing secondary hypertension effectively involves identifying and treating the underlying disease; this proactive approach helps prevent long-term cardiovascular damage and improves your overall health.
• Subacute Endocarditis: Subacute endocarditis, a gradual infection of the heart valves, underscores the need for swift medical attention to any suspected infection and careful management of existing heart conditions to avoid severe consequences.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing pulmonary hypertension effectively reduces the strain on your heart and lungs, lowering your risk of stroke and other life-threatening events.
• Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: A congenital aortic valve disorder means your aortic valve didn't form properly at birth, so understanding this condition and following your doctor's recommendations is key to preventing more severe heart issues.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Cardiovascular disease is often preventable, and by controlling risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing it.
• Angina: Angina signals potential problems with your heart's blood supply, making it crucial to seek medical attention to manage your risk factors and avoid future heart events.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertension and chronic kidney disease are interconnected conditions that can damage your heart and kidneys; proactive care, including medication and diet changes, is vital to prevent further harm.
• Systolic Heart Failure: Systolic heart failure means your heart's ability to pump blood effectively is weakened, making early detection and management crucial to prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease, if detected early and managed properly, can prevent serious heart complications like heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
• Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a type of irregular heartbeat that comes and goes, and catching it early through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like stroke.
• Congenital Heart Block: Preventing complications from congenital heart block relies heavily on proactive healthcare, which includes regular monitoring of heart rhythm and prompt treatment of any abnormalities to maintain a healthy heart.

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

• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Take a proactive step toward a healthier heart with myocardial perfusion imaging. This test visually assesses blood flow to your heart muscle, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that could cause heart attacks or strokes.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: A cardiovascular diagnostic test helps doctors identify potential heart problems early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications like heart attacks or strokes.
• Treadmill Stress Test: Take charge of your cardiovascular health: a treadmill stress test provides valuable insights into your heart's response to stress, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of heart disease.
• Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): To proactively safeguard your heart health, a TTE uses sound waves to visualize your heart's structure and function, helping identify issues like valve problems or weakened heart muscle before they cause significant complications.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Get a clear picture of your heart health with HeartAware's convenient online risk assessment, helping you take control of your cardiovascular future.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: To help prevent heart attacks and strokes, this test uses medication and imaging to assess your heart's response to stress, helping identify blockages or other issues that need attention.
• Tilt_Testing: Taking a proactive step toward better heart health, a tilt table test can help rule out heart rhythm issues that cause fainting or dizziness.
• Tilt Table Testing: By assessing your body's response to changes in position, a tilt table test can help detect hidden heart rhythm problems and prevent future health issues.
• 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.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: To take a proactive step toward a healthier heart, a nuclear stress test helps doctors identify areas of reduced blood flow, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of heart 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.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Protecting your heart starts with knowing its rhythm: an arrhythmia screening can identify irregularities and allow for timely intervention.

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. David Ancona 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 heart health plan, a patient successfully managed their mitral valve stenosis, reducing their risk of future complications and enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle. Regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications provided the peace of mind needed to maintain their overall well-being.
• By identifying and addressing the underlying cause of their high blood pressure, a patient proactively managed secondary hypertension, significantly reducing their risk of long-term cardiovascular issues and gaining peace of mind.

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. David Ancona:

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 such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol that require expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. David Ancona?

Your first visit with Dr. Ancona will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. We'll also discuss your lifestyle and risk factors to create 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 a heart attack. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk.

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. Ancona 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. Ancona to assess the strength of the heart muscle, check the function of the heart valves, and detect structural problems.

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

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

Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is caused by the same process as coronary artery disease—atherosclerosis. This plaque buildup affects the arteries in the legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, indicating a very high risk for heart attack and stroke.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We strive to not only lower your blood pressure numbers, but also prevent long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. Our approach typically begins with foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and we'll add medication when needed to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure for your specific health needs.

David Ancona MD, FACC
603 N Flamingo Rd
Pembroke Pines FL 33028
Phone: (954) 432-1771

Dr. David Ancona, 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): 1770579427

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. David Ancona 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.