Dr. Donald Messersmith, MD

Dr. Donald Messersmith, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Melbourne, FL, 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). 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) 255-8080 to schedule.

Dr. Donald Messersmith, MD is a cardiologist in Melbourne, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions. A graduate of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1976, Dr. Messersmith completed his residency training in Cardiology at Nat'l Naval Medical Center/St. Mary's Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. 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 is affiliated with medical facilities such as Rockledge Regional Medical Center and Cape Canaveral Hospital and is accepting new patients. Dr. Messersmith offers consultations in German.

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

• Atherosclerosis of Aorta: Atherosclerosis of the aorta is a buildup of plaque in your body's largest artery, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems—making early detection and lifestyle changes crucial for prevention.
• Aortic Aneurysm: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking is crucial for preventing the development or worsening of an aortic aneurysm, safeguarding your heart health.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition where cholesterol and other substances clog your arteries, making early detection and management crucial for preventing serious cardiovascular events.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of your heart is blocked, causing damage; preventing heart disease through lifestyle changes and regular checkups significantly reduces your risk.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain might indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medical interventions to manage your cardiovascular risk factors and prevent future heart problems.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia, characterized by a fast heart rhythm, may be a warning sign of underlying cardiovascular problems. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the development of more serious heart conditions.
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Because adult congenital heart disease often develops unnoticed, regular screenings and check-ups with your cardiologist are critical for early detection and timely intervention.
• Hyperlipidemia: Managing hyperlipidemia through diet and exercise, or medication if needed, is essential for lowering your risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
• 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.
• Vascular Disease: Managing vascular disease effectively reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke by improving blood flow and preventing blockages in your arteries and veins.
• Hypertension: Hypertension is a silent killer, often showing no symptoms, underscoring the importance of routine blood pressure checks to catch it early and prevent future heart problems.
• Septal Defect: A septal defect is a birth defect affecting the heart's structure; addressing it early reduces the risk of developing more serious cardiovascular conditions later in life.

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

• 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.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Protect your heart's health with a structural heart disease assessment; this evaluation helps identify and address issues like valve problems or birth defects before they cause significant damage.
• Treadmill Stress Test: To proactively safeguard your heart, a treadmill stress test evaluates how well your heart functions during exercise, identifying any weaknesses before they become serious issues.
• Cardiac Imaging: Take a proactive step towards better heart health with cardiac imaging. This non-invasive procedure provides clear images of your heart, allowing doctors to identify and address potential problems before they become major health concerns.
• 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.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a simple yet powerful tool for preventing serious heart problems; it helps identify potential issues like weakened heart muscles or abnormal blood flow before they worsen.
• 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.
• 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.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): A PAD screening is a vital step towards preventing heart disease and stroke; it detects reduced blood flow to your limbs, indicating potential cardiovascular risks.
• 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.
• 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.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: As a proactive step in managing your cardiovascular health, a pharmacologic nuclear stress test provides detailed images of your heart to detect reduced blood flow that could signal heart disease.

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. Donald Messersmith 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 adhering to a heart-healthy lifestyle and diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of atherosclerosis of the aorta, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By diligently managing blood pressure and quitting smoking, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing an aortic aneurysm, gaining peace of mind about their cardiovascular health.

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. Donald Messersmith:

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

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions of 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. Donald Messersmith?

Your first visit with Dr. Messersmith 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 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 causing blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove this LDL from your body. Dr. Messersmith's practice helps manage both types 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. Messersmith 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. Messersmith uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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

8055 Spyglass Hill Rd Ste 102
Melbourne FL 32940
Phone: (321) 255-8080

Dr. Donald Messersmith, 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): 1538235338

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. Donald Messersmith 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.