Dr. James Butler, DO

Dr. James Butler, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, 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). His approach is deeply rooted in preventive medicine, recognizing 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. While Dr. Butler is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (239) 343-9270 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. James Butler, DO is a cardiologist in Fort Myers, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from New York Institute Of Technology, Old Westbury in 1983 and is affiliated with Auburn Community Hospital. 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 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. Dr. Butler's commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine creates 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. James Butler 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. James Butler 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. James Butler 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:

• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia increases your chances of heart attack and stroke, but with proactive management, including healthy habits and medical guidance, you can significantly reduce these risks.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition where plaque buildup narrows your heart's arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke, but proactive lifestyle changes and medical care can significantly reduce these risks.
• 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.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: If you have high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, it's essential to work with your doctor to control these conditions and lower your risk of cardiovascular events like stroke.
• 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 Disease: Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect your heart, and taking steps to prevent it through lifestyle changes and regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes significantly lowers your chances of experiencing Acute Coronary Syndrome, a sudden heart problem requiring immediate care.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease, if detected early and managed properly, can prevent serious heart complications like heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
• Hypertension: Don't let high blood pressure put your heart at risk; proactive management through diet, exercise, and medication, if needed, can significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease or stroke.
• Arrhythmias: Managing an arrhythmia through lifestyle changes and/or medication is crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening events such as stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.
• Septal Defect: Septal defects, if left unmanaged, can lead to increased strain on the heart and potentially heart failure; regular check-ups and proactive treatment are crucial for prevention.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Primary pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition affecting blood flow to your lungs that often requires proactive management to reduce the risks of heart failure and other severe consequences.

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

• Cardiac Imaging: As part of your preventative care, cardiac imaging helps assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. By detecting abnormalities early, you can work with your doctor to implement effective treatment and prevention strategies.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Cardiac catheterization allows doctors to accurately assess the health of your coronary arteries, helping prevent future heart attacks and strokes by enabling early detection of blockages and enabling appropriate treatment.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiac ultrasound; this imaging test screens for issues like heart valve problems and blockages, enabling timely interventions.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm, helping prevent strokes and other complications from irregular heartbeats.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: By assessing the blood vessels in your legs and feet, a peripheral artery catheterization helps identify circulation issues early on, preventing severe health problems and promoting proactive heart health management.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: To proactively manage your heart health, cardiac ablation can eliminate irregular heartbeats that might lead to stroke or heart failure.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging is a non-invasive scan that helps doctors assess how well blood flows to your heart muscle, allowing for early detection of potential heart problems and preventing future heart attacks or strokes.
• Impella Device: The Impella device is a temporary heart pump that assists your heart's pumping action during complex heart procedures, helping to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
• 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.
• Tilt_Testing: As a preventative measure, tilt table testing can assess your risk of syncope (fainting), which could be linked to underlying heart problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a crucial preventative measure for identifying silent heart conditions before they cause symptoms, giving you the opportunity to take proactive steps to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: Regular assessment of your implanted cardiac device ensures its continued effectiveness in protecting against sudden cardiac arrest and other serious heart conditions.

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. James Butler 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 following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their hyperlipidemia, significantly reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.
• By following a personalized plan for managing risk factors, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), gaining peace of mind and confidence in their future 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. James Butler:

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. James Butler?

Your first visit with Dr. Butler will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, obtain 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, incorporating regular physical activity, and choosing a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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

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.

How is Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) related to heart disease?

Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is caused by atherosclerosis, the same process that leads to coronary artery disease. However, P.A.D. affects the arteries in the legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, indicating a substantial risk of 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 a two-pronged approach: foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and, if needed, medication to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

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.

14051 Metropolis Ave
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 343-9270

Dr. James Butler, DO 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): 1447229596

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. James Butler 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.