Dr. Hari Krishna Baddigam, MD

Dr. Hari Krishna Baddigam, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at Heart and Rhythm Associates in Panama City, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His practice is deeply rooted in the understanding that 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. Please call (850) 448-2672 to schedule.

Dr. Hari Krishna Baddigam, MD is a cardiologist in Panama City, FL with extensive experience in Heart Conditions, Adult Congenital Heart Conditions, and Cardiac Electrical System Procedures. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Baddigam's approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole in the heart that's present from birth and, while often harmless, can sometimes increase the risk of stroke by allowing blood clots to travel to the brain; early detection and management can significantly reduce this risk.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat that increases your risk of stroke, so early detection and treatment are crucial for prevention.
• Venous Compression: Venous compression can contribute to various cardiovascular problems; early detection and treatment are vital steps in preventive cardiology.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing pulmonary hypertension effectively reduces the strain on your heart and lungs, lowering your risk of stroke and other life-threatening events.
• Ventricular Septal Defect: Ventricular septal defects (VSDs), holes in the heart's lower chambers, can lead to issues if left untreated; proactive care and early intervention are key to mitigating long-term cardiac risks.
• Rheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Protecting your heart from rheumatic tricuspid disease starts with preventing rheumatic fever through early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat, demonstrating how proactive health care significantly reduces cardiovascular risks.
• 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.
• Infective Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart's inner lining, often preventable by practicing good oral hygiene and seeking prompt treatment for dental procedures and infections.
• Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Managing underlying conditions like hypertension before and during pregnancy significantly decreases the risk of developing peripartum cardiomyopathy, emphasizing the importance of preventative care.
• Hypertension: Managing hypertension effectively through medication and lifestyle modifications can prevent serious health complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure (CHF) makes it hard for your heart to pump enough blood, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent it from worsening and improve your quality of life.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Managing mitral valve stenosis through medication, lifestyle modifications, and possibly surgical intervention helps protect your heart and enhances your quality of 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. Hari Baddigam offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: An automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a proactive step to protect your heart by detecting and correcting dangerously irregular heartbeats that could cause sudden cardiac arrest.
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: A pacemaker insertion or replacement helps regulate your heartbeat, preventing dangerous rhythms that can lead to stroke or heart failure.
• 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.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): As a proactive step in managing your heart health, a cardiac catheterization provides detailed images of your heart's blood vessels, helping detect and treat issues that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
• 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.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This non-invasive test evaluates your heart's response to stress, allowing for early diagnosis of coronary artery disease and helping prevent serious heart events.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: A pharmacologic nuclear stress test is a safe and effective way to proactively check your heart's health by evaluating blood flow to detect potential problems early, before they become serious.
• 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.
• Coronary Angiogram: For comprehensive heart health assessment, a coronary angiogram helps identify narrowed or blocked arteries, allowing for prompt treatment to prevent future heart attacks, strokes, or other life-threatening events.
• 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.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: To proactively monitor your heart health, a peripheral artery catheterization provides a detailed look at the arteries in your limbs, helping diagnose and prevent conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Carotid Artery Stent Placement: A carotid artery stent placement is a procedure to open narrowed arteries in your neck, improving blood flow to your brain and reducing your risk of stroke.

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. Hari Baddigam 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 understanding their PFO risk factors and following a proactive management plan, a patient gained peace of mind, knowing they could significantly reduce the potential for future complications.
• By diligently following a proactive heart health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of atrial fibrillation, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term 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. Hari Baddigam:

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 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 that require expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Hari Baddigam?

Your first visit with Dr. Baddigam will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, perform an EKG, and discuss lifestyle and risk factors. This is the first step in creating 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 involves managing blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is a cardiac ablation procedure?

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

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.

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. Baddigam 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 that can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Dr. Baddigam works with patients to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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 confidence and quality of life.

Heart and Rhythm Associates
106 Medical Center Dr
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 448-2672

Dr. Hari Krishna Baddigam, 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): 1881629491

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. Hari Baddigam 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.