Dr. Hector Fontanet, MD

Dr. Hector Fontanet, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. He practices at his clinic in Land O Lakes, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Fontanet is committed to collaboration with his patients to develop long-term health plans, coordinate essential screenings, and manage cardiovascular risk factors. His approach focuses on prevention, recognizing that your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke, fostering a lifetime of wellness. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is committed to compassionate, evidence-based care. While he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (813) 355-5046 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Born in Puerto Rico, Dr. Fontanet (pronounced fon-ten-et') enjoys spending time with his family at home and traveling. He and his wife, Dr. Amarilis Torres (FMC Rheumatology), have three children. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Puerto Rico School Of Medicine in 1982, followed by an internship at San Juan Veterans Affairs Medical Center (1983) and Va Hospital (1983). Residency training in Cardiology at Va Hospital (1985) further honed his expertise, and he later pursued fellowship training in Washington University (1991), specializing in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Fontanet offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Coronary Vessel Malformation: Because coronary vessel malformations can increase the risk of heart disease, it's important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized management plan.
• Venous Hypertension: Venous hypertension, or high blood pressure in your veins, can increase your risk of blood clots and other complications, so it's important to adopt preventative measures to maintain healthy blood flow.
• 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.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Preventing complications from mitral valve stenosis involves understanding your risk factors, such as rheumatic fever history, and undergoing regular cardiac evaluations.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Protecting your heart from rheumatic aortic valve disease begins with preventing rheumatic fever through timely treatment of streptococcal infections, thereby reducing the risk of long-term heart complications.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Because congenital heart defects can increase the risk of future cardiovascular issues, regular checkups and adherence to medical advice are essential for preventive care.
• Congenital Mitral Valve Insufficiency: Born with an improperly functioning mitral valve increases your risk of developing heart failure and other complications, underscoring the need for early diagnosis and careful management to prevent serious consequences.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, significantly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, so regular checkups and lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat that increases your risk of stroke, so early detection and treatment are crucial for prevention.
• Hypotension: While high blood pressure is commonly known, low blood pressure (hypotension) can also be a risk factor for dizziness and falls, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups.
• Aortic Aneurysm: An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, your body's largest artery, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent a potentially life-threatening rupture.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Managing sinus tachycardia effectively through lifestyle adjustments and medical supervision can significantly reduce your risk of developing more serious cardiovascular issues.

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

• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: This non-invasive test helps detect coronary artery disease early, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Don't wait for symptoms – proactive PAD screening helps identify and treat artery narrowing in your legs and feet before they cause significant health issues.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Take charge of your heart health with HeartAware: a quick online screening that helps identify your risk for heart disease and stroke, allowing for early intervention.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: A cardiac MRI is a detailed scan of your heart and chest that helps detect early signs of heart disease, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious problems later.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Take a proactive step towards a healthier heart by undergoing a structural heart disease evaluation to detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• Treadmill Stress Test: This simple test helps determine if your heart is strong enough to handle physical activity and can reveal potential problems early on, allowing for timely intervention to prevent heart attacks or stroke.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Gain valuable insights into your cardiovascular health with a diagnostic test, which helps identify risk factors and guide personalized strategies to prevent heart issues.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Hector Fontanet 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 working closely with their cardiologist on a personalized management plan, a patient proactively reduced the risk of coronary vessel malformation, gaining peace of mind about their heart health.
• By proactively managing their lifestyle and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of venous hypertension complications, leading to greater 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. Hector Fontanet:

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 like high blood pressure or high cholesterol that require expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Hector Fontanet?

Your first visit with Dr. Fontanet will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. A discussion of lifestyle and risk factors will follow, helping us 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 to preventing a heart attack. These proactive steps empower you to shape your own heart health destiny.

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. Fontanet is an expert at determining the cause, often using an echocardiogram to see if it's related to a heart valve problem needing monitoring or treatment.

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

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity. You'll walk on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. This key non-invasive tool helps detect potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

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, or plaque buildup. However, P.A.D. affects the arteries in the legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a major red flag, indicating a very high risk for heart attack and stroke.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not only lower your blood pressure numbers, but also prevent long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This involves foundational lifestyle changes like a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, and if needed, medications to safely reach your personalized target blood pressure.

2100 Via Bella Blvd Ste 202
Land O Lakes FL 34639
Phone: (813) 355-5046

Dr. Hector Fontanet, 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): 1942219274

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. Hector Fontanet 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.