Dr. Laurence Watkins, MD

Dr. Laurence Watkins, MD is a Cardiology specializing in proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care at his clinic in Plantation, FL. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is dedicated to empowering patients with a personalized approach to cardiovascular health. 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 581-8706 to schedule.

Dr. Laurence Watkins, MD is a cardiologist in Plantation, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Baylor University in 1979 and has a deep understanding of cardiovascular health. With over 45 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. Watkins is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and 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. Laurence Watkins 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. Laurence Watkins 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. Laurence Watkins 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:

• Arrhythmias: Preventing future heart complications starts with understanding arrhythmias—irregular heart rhythms that, when addressed, significantly reduce your risk of serious cardiovascular events.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation, if left untreated, can lead to significant heart problems, so regular checkups and lifestyle changes are important for prevention.
• Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is an irregular heartbeat that, if left untreated, can increase your risk of stroke and heart failure, highlighting the importance of regular heart checkups.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease encompasses various conditions impacting your heart's health, making proactive prevention through healthy habits and timely medical interventions vital for a longer, healthier life.
• Atrial Septal Defect 2 (ASD 2): Preventing complications from ASD2, a birth defect affecting the heart's chambers, involves regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure proper blood flow and reduce long-term heart health risks.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia, a fast heart rate, can be a sign of underlying health issues, making early detection and management crucial for preventing serious complications like heart disease.
• Hypercholesterolemia, Autosomal Dominant: If you have autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia, you're at increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes; taking steps to manage your cholesterol effectively can greatly reduce these risks.

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

• Coronary Angiogram: To ensure early detection of potential heart problems, a coronary angiogram provides detailed images of your heart's blood vessels, enabling timely intervention and reducing your risk of serious complications.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: To help prevent heart attacks and strokes, this test uses medication and imaging to assess your heart's response to stress, helping identify blockages or other issues that need attention.
• 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.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Protecting yourself from heart disease starts with a PAD screening, which checks for blockages in your leg arteries that could signal wider circulatory problems.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: For early detection of potential heart problems and to take proactive steps for long-term heart health, a nuclear stress test allows your doctor to assess how well your heart responds to stress, which is essential in preventing future cardiovascular events.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Protecting your heart starts with knowing its rhythm: an arrhythmia screening can identify irregularities and allow for timely intervention.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Gain valuable insights into your cardiovascular health with a diagnostic test, which helps identify risk factors and guide personalized strategies to prevent heart issues.
• 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.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Take charge of your heart health with HeartAware: a quick online screening that helps identify your risk for heart disease and stroke, allowing for early intervention.
• 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.
• 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.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Take control of your heart health by scheduling a structural heart disease evaluation; it helps identify structural issues, enabling early intervention and a better prognosis.

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. Laurence Watkins 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 heart's rhythms and following a proactive plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future heart complications, gaining peace of mind about their cardiovascular health.
• By diligently following a proactive heart health plan, including regular checkups and lifestyle modifications, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing atrial fibrillation, fostering peace of mind and 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. 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. Laurence Watkins:

What is a Cardiologist, and when should I see one?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor 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. Laurence Watkins?

Your first visit with Dr. Watkins 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 is achievable. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key. These steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is helpful, carrying "bad" (LDL) cholesterol away from the body. "Bad" cholesterol, or LDL, is the lousy kind that builds up plaque in arteries, potentially leading to blockages. Dr. Watkins helps manage both types to prevent heart disease.

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. This plaque buildup 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.

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 in the heart. It is 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 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. Watkins is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. You walk on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. It's a key non-invasive tool to detect potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

4100 S Hospital Dr Ste 111
Plantation FL 33317
Phone: (954) 581-8706

Dr. Laurence Watkins, 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): 1184661209

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. Laurence Watkins 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.