Dr. James Ronaldson, MD

Dr. James Ronaldson, 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 adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health, he recognizes 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 committed to evidence-based, collaborative care. Please call (321) 434-9265 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. James Ronaldson, MD is a cardiologist in Melbourne, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions and Heart Conditions, and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Ronaldson earned his medical degree from St. Georges University School Of Medicine in 1983, and is Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Board of Medical Specialties, 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 Viera Hospital and Holmes Regional Medical Center, and offers consultations in Spanish. His approach to care emphasizes collaboration and empowers patients to be active participants in their long-term health.

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

• Aneurysm of Heart: A heart aneurysm can weaken the heart muscle; proactive heart health management helps identify and manage this condition, minimizing severe complications.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Preventing serious health consequences associated with congenital heart defects often involves early diagnosis and proactive intervention to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Mitral valve stenosis, a narrowing of the mitral valve in your heart, can be managed effectively through regular checkups and lifestyle changes to prevent serious complications like heart failure.
• Tetralogy of Fallot: Tetralogy of Fallot is a serious heart defect present from birth, requiring early diagnosis and ongoing management to prevent life-threatening complications.
• Typical Atrial Flutter: Early detection of atrial flutter is crucial because it allows for timely intervention, reducing the chances of developing disabling or life-threatening conditions.
• First Degree Heart Block: Although often asymptomatic, first-degree heart block is a condition best addressed through regular check-ups to prevent future cardiac complications.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic lung conditions like pulmonary hypertension can strain your heart, making early detection and management crucial for preventing heart damage.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Managing sinus tachycardia effectively through lifestyle adjustments and medical supervision can significantly reduce your risk of developing more serious cardiovascular issues.
• 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.
• Hypotension: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, might require medical attention as it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health issue needing early intervention.
• Congenital Heart Disease: Congenital heart disease refers to heart defects present at birth, and early detection through prenatal screenings and newborn examinations is crucial for timely intervention and preventing long-term complications.
• Noninfective Endocarditis: Noninfective endocarditis, while not caused by infection, can damage your heart valves and lead to serious complications, highlighting the importance of regular heart check-ups and managing underlying conditions to prevent its development.

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

• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: A check-up of your pacemaker or defibrillator helps identify and address any issues early, reducing your risk of heart problems and improving your quality of life.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This test combines medication with special imaging to pinpoint areas of your heart that may not be receiving enough blood, enabling early diagnosis and preventative measures against heart disease and stroke.
• 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.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Take a proactive step towards heart health with arrhythmia screening—it checks for abnormal heart rhythms that could indicate underlying conditions.
• 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 Catheterization with Robotic Assist: Cardiac catheterization with robotic assist is a minimally invasive procedure that helps doctors visualize your heart's blood vessels to detect blockages early, preventing future heart attacks or strokes.
• 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: As a preventative measure, peripheral artery catheterization helps identify blockages in your leg and foot arteries, enabling timely treatment to reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack.
• 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.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: To help ensure a healthy heart, this stress test checks your heart's response to exertion, aiding in the early diagnosis and prevention of heart disease and stroke.
• 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.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Protecting your future starts with a cardiovascular diagnostic test, a simple procedure that can detect early signs of heart disease or stroke, enabling proactive treatment.

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 Ronaldson 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 proactive heart health plan, including regular checkups and lifestyle modifications, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart aneurysm complications, fostering peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized care plan, a family gained peace of mind knowing their child's congenital heart defect was being proactively managed, minimizing potential future complications.

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 Ronaldson:

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. James Ronaldson?

Your first visit with Dr. Ronaldson will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, and perform 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 involves managing blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of heart attack.

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 diet and exercise, and medication when needed to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure. Our approach is tailored to your individual needs.

What is a cardiac stress test?

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

What is a stent, and how is it placed?

A stent is a tiny, wire-mesh tube that acts as a scaffold to prop open a blocked artery. It's placed during a minimally invasive procedure called an angioplasty, where a catheter is guided through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin up to the heart.

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 LDL from your body. Dr. Ronaldson and his team help manage both to prevent heart disease.

What is a cardiac ablation procedure?

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

8725 N Wickham Rd Ste 203
Melbourne FL 32940
Phone: (321) 434-9265

Dr. James Ronaldson, 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): 1609851245

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 Ronaldson 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.