Dr. David Winchester, MD

Dr. David Winchester, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at his clinic in Gainesville, FL. As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Winchester is committed to collaborating with you to create a long-term health plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage cardiovascular risk factors for a lifetime of wellness. Your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke, and he serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (352) 376-1611 to schedule.

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Winchester brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine in 2005 and completed residency training in Cardiology at University Of Virginia Health Sciences Center in 2008, followed by fellowship training at University Of Florida in 2011, specializing in noninvasive imaging, including echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and cardiac computed tomography. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. As a professor in the UF College of Medicine departments of medicine and radiology, Dr. Winchester's research interests include health system science and educational scholarship. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Atrial Septal Defect: An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the heart's upper chambers that may go unnoticed, emphasizing the importance of regular cardiac screenings and timely intervention to avert future complications.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Managing sinus bradycardia effectively involves understanding its potential risks and working with your doctor to minimize complications, improving your long-term heart health through preventative measures.
• 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.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Protecting your heart from the damage caused by high blood pressure is essential – managing hypertension prevents the development of hypertensive heart disease.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of your arteries, is a serious condition that necessitates proactive lifestyle adjustments and medical supervision to avoid complications like heart attacks.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): Early detection of heart attack symptoms is crucial for minimizing long-term damage to your heart, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management.
• Vascular Disease: Protecting your blood vessels is key to preventing vascular disease; lifestyle changes and medical interventions can significantly reduce your risk and improve your heart health.
• Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding your risk for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and taking proactive steps to control risk factors such as high blood pressure can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Managing sinus tachycardia effectively through lifestyle adjustments and medical supervision can significantly reduce your risk of developing more serious cardiovascular issues.
• Third Degree Heart Block: Third-degree heart block is a serious heart rhythm problem where the heart's upper and lower chambers beat independently, potentially leading to fainting or even cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of regular heart checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Mitral valve stenosis, a narrowing of the mitral valve in your heart, can be managed effectively through regular checkups and lifestyle changes to prevent serious complications like heart failure.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Managing sick sinus syndrome, a condition affecting your heart's rhythm, is vital for preventing potentially life-threatening events through proactive healthcare and medication if needed.

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

• 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.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This test combines medication with special imaging to pinpoint areas of your heart that may not be receiving enough blood, enabling early diagnosis and preventative measures against heart disease and stroke.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiovascular stress test; it checks how well your heart functions during physical activity to identify hidden risks of heart disease or stroke.
• 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.
• Coronary Angiogram: Taking a proactive step towards heart health, a coronary angiogram allows doctors to assess the condition of your coronary arteries and identify areas needing treatment to prevent future cardiovascular events.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's ability to handle increased workload, identifying potential blockages that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging offers a comprehensive view of your cardiovascular system, providing crucial information to identify silent conditions like coronary artery disease or heart valve problems, facilitating preventive measures and improving your long-term heart health.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Take control of your heart health by scheduling a structural heart disease evaluation; it helps identify structural issues, enabling early intervention and a better prognosis.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware's online risk screening provides a personalized assessment of your risk factors for heart disease and stroke, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: As a proactive measure to prevent heart disease, a cardiac catheterization with robotic assist allows doctors to assess the health of your heart's arteries and identify areas of narrowing or blockage, preventing serious 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. David Winchester 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 scheduling regular cardiac screenings, a family was relieved to learn their child's atrial septal defect was identified early, enabling proactive management and minimizing future heart-related risks.
• By understanding their sinus bradycardia and working with a healthcare professional on a personalized plan, a patient felt empowered to proactively manage their heart health, reducing potential risks 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 Winchester:

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. David Winchester?

Your first visit with Dr. Winchester 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 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 within your reach. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key steps toward a healthier heart. These proactive measures empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is a TAVR procedure?

TAVR 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.

What is the purpose of cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help patients recover from heart conditions like heart attacks, stents, or heart surgery. It strengthens the heart, reduces risk factors, and helps patients safely regain their confidence and quality of life.

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. Winchester is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

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. It's a key non-invasive tool to detect potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

What is a heart murmur?

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

1601 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 376-1611

Dr. David Winchester, 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): 1194947929

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 Winchester 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.