Dr. Illena Antonetti, MD

Dr. Illena Antonetti, MD is a Cardiology specialist at The Cardiovascular Center of Florida in Orlando, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus is squarely on prevention, recognizing that your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke. This collaborative approach involves creating a long-term health plan, coordinating essential screenings, and managing cardiovascular risk factors for a lifetime of wellness. She serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (407) 502-6041 to schedule.

Dr. Antonetti, a graduate of the University of Miami with a double major in Microbiology and Immunology and triple minors in Chemistry, Psychology, and Spanish, completed rigorous medical training at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Following a residency in internal medicine at Strong Memorial Hospital and a cardiology fellowship at the University of South Florida, she established her practice in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Antonetti is Board Certified in Cardiology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. She creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Illena Antonetti offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Noninfective Endocarditis: By addressing risk factors like abnormal blood flow and valvular disease, you can actively prevent or significantly delay the onset and progression of noninfective endocarditis, preserving heart health.
• 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.
• Cor Pulmonale: Protecting your lungs is key to preventing cor pulmonale, a condition that strains the right side of your heart due to lung disease; early detection and treatment are vital.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol are key to preventing congestive heart failure, a serious condition that impacts the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare condition where blood pressure in the arteries leading to your lungs becomes dangerously high, making early detection crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Understanding and addressing congenital heart defects from birth is a cornerstone of preventive cardiology, minimizing the risk of debilitating heart conditions later in life.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: The Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern signifies an extra electrical connection in your heart, potentially leading to fast heart rhythms; managing this condition minimizes your chances of heart-related complications.
• 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.
• Chronic Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Chronic venous embolism thrombosis means you have a history of blood clots in your veins, putting you at higher risk for more clots and potentially severe complications; proactive management through medication and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce this risk.
• Heart Disease: Protecting your heart starts with understanding heart disease—a range of conditions affecting your heart's ability to function properly—and proactively managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Syncope: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor about fainting episodes are vital for proactive heart health and preventing dangerous consequences of syncope.
• Acute Congestive Heart Failure: Acute congestive heart failure is a medical emergency that underscores the need for consistent monitoring of your cardiovascular health to identify and address risk factors before they lead to severe complications.

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. Illena Antonetti 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: This imaging test helps doctors pinpoint areas of reduced blood flow to your heart, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes, making it a crucial step in proactive heart care.
• Tilt_Testing: Tilt table testing helps doctors identify the cause of fainting or dizziness, potentially preventing serious heart-related complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting your future starts with an EKG, a non-invasive test that provides valuable insights into your heart's health, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): A cardiac catheterization helps doctors check your heart's arteries for blockages that could lead to a heart attack or stroke, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Take charge of your heart health with a cardiovascular diagnostic test; it screens for hidden conditions, helping you make informed lifestyle choices and reduce your risk of future heart disease.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm, helping prevent strokes and other complications from irregular heartbeats.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test provides valuable insights into your heart's ability to handle stress, allowing for timely intervention and preventative measures to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): A PAD screening helps detect narrowed arteries in your legs and feet, allowing for early treatment to prevent serious complications like heart attack or 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. Illena Antonetti 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 proactively addressing potential risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing noninfective endocarditis, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their heart health.
• By proactively addressing a septal defect with regular checkups, a family gained peace of mind, knowing they were reducing the risk of future heart problems and ensuring a healthier future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Illena Antonetti:

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 needing expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Illena Antonetti?

Your first visit with Dr. Antonetti will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, obtain an EKG, and discuss lifestyle choices 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 is achievable by knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, not smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is a TAVR procedure?

TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, 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 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. Antonetti will work with you to use medications and lifestyle changes to improve your heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not just 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 when necessary, we'll add medication to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

What is the difference between 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol?

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is helpful, carrying "bad" (LDL) cholesterol away from the arteries. "Bad" cholesterol can build up, forming plaque and potentially blocking blood flow. Dr. Antonetti helps manage both types to prevent heart disease.

What is a heart murmur?

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

The Cardiovascular Center of Florida
1723 Lucerne Ter Ste 100
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (407) 502-6041

Dr. Illena Antonetti, 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): 1700990355

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. Illena Antonetti 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.