Dr. Kirsten Freeman, MD

Dr. Kirsten Freeman, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health, featured on weprevent.org. Her focus on prevention is paramount; 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. Dr. Freeman is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 294-5000 to schedule.

Dr. Freeman is an Assistant Professor with the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Florida, and the Associate Program Director for the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Integrated and Traditional Residency Training Programs. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from University Of Texas Health Sciences Center At San Antonio Long School Of Medicine in 2009 and is Board Certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery, and Board Certified in Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Freeman's commitment to patient care extends beyond her clinical practice, evidenced by her extensive training and experience. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Economics, and furthered her education at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine. Her practice philosophy prioritizes preventative strategies, informed decision-making, and open communication with patients. Dr. Freeman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small opening in the heart present since birth which, in some cases, can allow blood clots to pass to the brain, leading to stroke; regular health checks and lifestyle changes can minimize potential complications.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Regular health screenings can help detect sinus bradycardia early, allowing for timely management and reducing your risk of experiencing serious cardiovascular complications.
• Pericardial Disease: Preventive care, including managing underlying conditions, helps reduce your chances of developing pericardial disease and its associated complications, like heart failure.
• Infective Endocarditis: Preventing complications from infective endocarditis requires diligent management of any underlying heart valve problems and prompt treatment of any infection to reduce the risk of heart damage.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a gradual buildup of plaque in your arteries, and understanding your risk factors early on can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
• Aneurysm of Heart: Regular cardiovascular screenings can help detect a heart aneurysm early, allowing for timely treatment and reducing the risk of serious cardiac events.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain might indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medical interventions to manage your cardiovascular risk factors and prevent future heart problems.
• Hyperlipidemia: Managing hyperlipidemia through diet and exercise, or medication if needed, is essential for lowering your risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Aortic Valve Disease: Preventing serious consequences from aortic valve disease relies on identifying and addressing it early, often through routine screenings and lifestyle changes.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease, a condition affecting the heart's valve, may be preventable or its progression slowed through lifestyle changes and proactive medical care.

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

• 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.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): As a proactive step in managing your heart health, a cardiac catheterization provides detailed images of your heart's blood vessels, helping detect and treat issues that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
• 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.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Protect your heart by getting a cardiac ultrasound – a non-invasive scan that provides detailed images of your heart's structure and function, aiding in the early diagnosis of heart conditions.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential problems early and prevent serious heart issues like heart attacks or strokes.
• Mitral Valve Prosthetic Implantation: A mitral valve prosthetic implantation is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged mitral valve, improving heart function and preventing heart failure.
• Mitral Valve Replacement: Taking charge of your heart health involves considering mitral valve replacement if your valve is severely damaged, improving blood flow and preventing future problems.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: To proactively monitor your heart health, a peripheral artery catheterization provides a detailed look at the arteries in your limbs, helping diagnose and prevent conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Pulmonary Valve Graft: To safeguard your heart's health, a pulmonary valve graft may be recommended to repair a faulty valve and reduce the risk of serious complications like heart failure or stroke.
• Tilt_Testing: To proactively address fainting spells or unexplained lightheadedness, a tilt table test can help determine if a heart condition is the underlying cause.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: A vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography is a painless test that uses sound waves to check the health of your blood vessels, helping detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications like heart disease 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. Kirsten Freeman 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 scheduling regular checkups, a family gained valuable insights into their child's heart health, reducing anxieties and ensuring early intervention for any potential congenital heart defect. This proactive approach allowed the family to focus on building a healthy future with peace of mind.
• By understanding their heart rhythm and proactively managing potential triggers, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing serious complications associated with Sick Sinus Syndrome, 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. Kirsten Freeman:

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 such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol that require expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Kirsten Freeman?

Your first visit with Dr. Freeman will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, obtain an EKG, and discuss your lifestyle and risk factors. This is the first step in creating a personalized heart health plan tailored to your needs.

What are the most important things I can do to prevent a heart attack?

Taking control of your cardiovascular health is achievable. Know and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol, avoid smoking, prioritize physical activity, and embrace a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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 pinpoint and eliminate the problematic heart tissue using heat or cold energy, often resolving the arrhythmia.

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), and is it dangerous?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular and often rapid heartbeat. While the irregular rhythm itself is not usually life-threatening, it significantly increases the risk of stroke. Dr. Kirsten Freeman is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

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. Freeman will work with you to use medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

What is a calcium score screening?

A calcium score screening is a special CT scan of the heart that measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. It's a powerful preventive tool to help Dr. Kirsten Freeman better understand a patient's future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of their prevention strategy.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Freeman's practice focuses on treating high blood pressure not just by lowering numbers, but by preventing long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. We employ a two-pronged approach: foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are prioritized, and medication is introduced when needed to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

1505 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 294-5000

Dr. Kirsten Freeman, 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): 1295977577

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. Kirsten Freeman 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.