Dr. Kathleen Galatro, DO

Dr. Kathleen Galatro, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. As a dedicated partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. She serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is committed to empowering patients to take an active role in their cardiovascular health journey. While Dr. Galatro is not currently accepting new patients, interested individuals can call (863) 680-7000 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Kathleen Galatro, DO is a cardiologist in Lakeland, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in 1990, followed by an internship at Umdnj/Kennedy Memorial Hosps (1991). Her dedication to comprehensive cardiovascular care continued with a residency in Cardiology at Overlook Hosp-Columbia P&S (1994), and further specialized with a fellowship in Hahnemann University (1998). With this extensive and dedicated experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Galatro is affiliated with Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management. Dr. Kathleen Galatro provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Protecting your heart from the damage caused by high blood pressure is essential – managing hypertension prevents the development of hypertensive heart disease.
• 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.
• Angina: If you experience angina, it's important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to develop a plan to control your cardiovascular risk factors and protect your heart health.
• Hyperlipidemia: Managing hyperlipidemia through diet and exercise, or medication if needed, is essential for lowering your risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Sick sinus syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder where your heart's natural pacemaker doesn't work properly, making early detection and management crucial to prevent serious complications like fainting or heart failure.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Tricuspid valve disease, if detected early and managed properly, can prevent serious complications like heart failure and irregular heartbeat, improving your long-term heart health.
• Aortic Aneurysm: By addressing risk factors and undergoing recommended screenings, you can significantly decrease your chances of developing an aortic aneurysm and protect yourself from its severe consequences.
• 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.
• Arrhythmias: Early detection of arrhythmias is key to preventing long-term heart damage and maintaining a healthy heart rhythm.
• Cardiomyopathy: By addressing risk factors and seeking timely medical care, you can significantly reduce the severity of cardiomyopathy and improve your overall heart health and quality of life.
• Atrial Septal Defect: Early detection of an atrial septal defect (ASD), a birth defect affecting the heart, is crucial for preventing potential long-term complications like stroke and high blood pressure.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): While many people with a PFO live without issues, it can be a risk factor for stroke if a blood clot moves through it to the brain; addressing other risk factors like high blood pressure can lessen your stroke risk.

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

• Nuclear Stress Testing: Nuclear stress testing is a safe and effective way to proactively check your heart's health and help prevent future heart attacks or strokes by detecting blockages in your arteries.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Don't wait for symptoms; proactively assess your heart health with an EKG, a simple test that can detect underlying issues and help prevent serious cardiovascular events.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a painless test using sound waves to create images of your heart, helping detect problems early and prevent future heart disease or stroke.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiovascular stress test; it checks how well your heart functions during physical activity to identify hidden risks of heart disease or stroke.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: By taking a pharmacologic nuclear stress test, you're taking a proactive step towards preventing future cardiovascular events by identifying potential blockages or weaknesses in your heart's blood vessels.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Protecting your heart starts with knowing its rhythm: an arrhythmia screening can identify irregularities and allow for timely intervention.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: As a proactive measure to prevent heart disease, a cardiac catheterization with robotic assist allows doctors to assess the health of your heart's arteries and identify areas of narrowing or blockage, preventing serious complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging offers a comprehensive view of your cardiovascular system, providing crucial information to identify silent conditions like coronary artery disease or heart valve problems, facilitating preventive measures and improving your long-term heart health.
• Tilt Table Testing: Taking a proactive step towards better heart health, tilt table testing helps identify underlying conditions that might cause fainting, helping you prevent falls and injuries.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Invest in your well-being with a cardiovascular diagnostic test; this screening helps assess the health of your heart and blood vessels, enabling early detection and management of potential problems.

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. Kathleen Galatro 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 risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their blood pressure, significantly reducing the chance of developing hypertensive heart disease. This proactive approach gave them peace of mind and empowered them to live a healthier life.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a family felt empowered to significantly reduce the risk of future cardiovascular concerns associated with congenital heart defects. Regular checkups provided peace of mind and allowed them to actively participate in their health management.

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. Kathleen Galatro:

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 specialized management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Kathleen Galatro?

Your first visit with Dr. Galatro will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. This will also include a discussion of your lifestyle and risk factors to create a personalized heart health plan.

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 preventive steps. These actions 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. Galatro to assess the strength of the heart muscle, check the function of the heart valves, and detect structural problems.

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 their confidence and quality of life.

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. Galatro 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, but manageable. Dr. Galatro uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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 locate and eliminate the problematic heart tissue using heat or cold energy, often curing the arrhythmia.

1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (863) 680-7000

Dr. Kathleen Galatro, 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): 1386694271

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. Kathleen Galatro 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.