Dr. Lawrence Berger, MD

Dr. Lawrence Berger, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Hallandale Beach, 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), a testament to his commitment to patient well-being. His focus on preventive health 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. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (305) 488-1659 to schedule.

A cardiologist for over 30 years in South Florida, Dr. Berger is deeply committed to patient-centered care. He personally evaluates and treats each patient, ensuring all health concerns are thoroughly addressed. His approach prioritizes providing the necessary time for comprehensive care, reflecting his dedication to delivering exceptional, personalized service. He completed rigorous medical training, including an internship at Brookdale Hospital & Medical Center (1983) and a fellowship in Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center (1987), solidifying his expertise in this critical area of patient health. Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Berger's commitment extends beyond his expertise. He is committed to being there for you, your family, and the community, delivering compassionate healthcare with service excellence. Dr. Berger is fluent in Creole and also offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Lawrence Berger 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. Lawrence Berger 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. Lawrence Berger 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 means you have high levels of fats in your blood, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke; regular checkups and lifestyle changes can help control it.
• Mitral and Aortic Valve Disorder: Preventing further damage to your heart valves is crucial; early detection and treatment of mitral and aortic valve disorders can dramatically improve your quality of life.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Hypertensive heart disease means your high blood pressure is damaging your heart, making prevention through blood pressure control crucial to avoid serious complications.
• Heart Disease: Early detection and management of heart disease are crucial to prevent serious complications, such as heart failure and stroke, so don't ignore any symptoms and prioritize regular health screenings.
• Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding your risk for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and taking proactive steps to control risk factors such as high blood pressure can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Pulmonary Valve Disease: Protecting your heart involves understanding pulmonary valve disease, a condition that, when left untreated, can significantly impact your cardiovascular health.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension, if left untreated, can lead to heart and lung damage; proactive management and regular monitoring are essential for preventing irreversible harm.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Regular checkups are key to preventing heart problems; early detection of tricuspid valve disease allows for timely intervention and management to keep your heart strong.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: High blood pressure and chronic kidney disease often occur together, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke; early detection and management are crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Noninfective Endocarditis: By addressing risk factors like abnormal blood flow and valvular disease, you can actively prevent or significantly delay the onset and progression of noninfective endocarditis, preserving heart health.
• Cardiomegaly: Cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, can be a sign of underlying heart conditions, making early detection and management crucial for preventing serious complications like heart failure.
• 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.

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

• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's health under exertion, enabling early detection of potential heart problems and preventing future issues.
• Treadmill Stress Test: As a proactive measure to maintain optimal heart health, a treadmill stress test helps pinpoint potential blockages or irregularities in your heart's function that may lead to serious complications.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: This non-invasive screening, combining vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography, gives your doctor valuable information about the condition of your blood vessels, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious cardiovascular events.
• 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.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: A pharmacologic nuclear stress test is a safe and effective way to proactively check your heart's health by evaluating blood flow to detect potential problems early, before they become serious.
• 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): Protecting your future starts with an EKG, a non-invasive test that provides valuable insights into your heart's health, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): To proactively safeguard your heart health, a cardiac catheterization uses special imaging to detect narrowed or blocked arteries, enabling timely treatment and reducing your risk of future cardiovascular events.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: As part of your heart health journey, a nuclear stress test provides a detailed look at your heart's function during exercise, helping to detect potential problems and prevent serious events like strokes.
• Tilt Table Testing: Tilt table testing is a non-invasive procedure that helps identify the cause of fainting or dizziness, potentially preventing serious heart-related complications.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Get a clear picture of your heart health with HeartAware's convenient online risk assessment, helping you take control of your cardiovascular future.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Arrhythmia screening helps detect irregular heartbeats early, potentially preventing serious complications like stroke and heart failure.

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. Lawrence Berger 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 hyperlipidemia risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient felt empowered to make healthy lifestyle choices, significantly reducing their risk of heart disease. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and a renewed sense of control over their health.
• By proactively managing their mitral and aortic valve health, a patient experienced reduced symptoms and peace of mind, knowing they were taking steps to safeguard their heart's well-being.

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. Lawrence Berger:

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

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Lawrence Berger?

Your first visit with Dr. Berger will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, conduct 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 adopting a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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. While P.A.D. affects the arteries in the legs and feet, it's a strong indicator of significant plaque buildup throughout the body, putting you at high risk for heart attack and stroke.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; Dr. Berger is an expert at determining the cause, often using an echocardiogram to see if the murmur is related to a heart valve problem that needs monitoring or treatment.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not just 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 if needed, we'll add medication to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

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. Berger 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. Berger uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

800 SE 4th Ave Ste 504
Hallandale Beach FL 33009
Phone: (305) 488-1659

Dr. Lawrence Berger, 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): 1649442740

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. Lawrence Berger 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.