Dr. Leonardo Florencio Dos Santos, MD

Dr. Leonardo Florencio Dos Santos, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive cardiovascular care. He practices at his clinic in Apopka, FL, where he is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His approach centers on the vital role of prevention, recognizing that your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke. This partnership involves collaboratively creating a long-term health plan, coordinating essential screenings, and effectively managing cardiovascular risk factors for a lifetime of wellness. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. To confirm new patient acceptance, please call (407) 889-1930.

Dr. Leonardo Florencio Dos Santos, MD is a cardiologist in Apopka, FL, affiliated with Metrowest Medical Center. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. This approach, coupled with a deep understanding of cardiovascular health, allows him to provide patients with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed choices and maintain optimal well-being. While Dr. Leonardo Santos provides consultations primarily in English, his dedication to patient care transcends language barriers, focusing on clear communication and proactive health management.

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

• Lipid Disorders: Keeping your cholesterol and other fats in your blood at healthy levels through diet and lifestyle changes, or medication if needed, helps prevent heart disease and stroke.
• 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.
• Systolic Heart Failure: Managing risk factors associated with systolic heart failure, such as diabetes and obesity, is vital for preventing the onset of this condition and preserving your heart health.
• Hypertension: Don't let high blood pressure put your heart at risk; proactive management through diet, exercise, and medication, if needed, can significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease or stroke.
• Atherosclerosis of Aorta: Atherosclerosis of the aorta means fatty deposits are hardening your main artery, impacting blood flow. Regular checkups and proactive management can significantly slow or stop this process, protecting your heart health.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Experiencing a persistently rapid heartbeat (sinus tachycardia) warrants medical attention, as it could indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medication to reduce your risk of heart problems.
• Acute Endocarditis: Preventing infections, especially dental ones, is crucial to avoid acute endocarditis, a serious heart valve infection that can be prevented with proper hygiene and timely medical attention.
• Chest Pain: Preventing future heart events starts with recognizing chest pain as a potential warning sign and taking proactive steps to address any underlying health concerns.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure can develop over time, but by actively managing your cardiovascular risk factors, you significantly reduce your chances of developing this serious condition and improve long-term heart health.
• 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.
• Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, making early detection and management crucial for preventing serious health problems.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Understanding and managing your risk factors for pulmonary hypertension, such as certain lung conditions, can help prevent this serious condition from developing or worsening.

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. Leonardo Santos 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 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.
• 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.
• Thrombolysis: Thrombolysis is a treatment that can quickly dissolve blood clots causing heart attacks or strokes, significantly improving your chances of recovery and preventing long-term damage.
• 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: 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.
• Non-Coronary Angioplasty, Atherectomy, and Stenting: Non-coronary angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting are procedures that can help clear blockages in arteries outside the heart, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of stroke or peripheral artery disease.

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. Leonardo Santos 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 following a personalized plan of diet and lifestyle changes, a patient successfully kept their cholesterol levels within a healthy range, significantly reducing their risk of heart disease. This proactive approach brought them peace of mind and empowered them to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive heart health plan, a patient was able to identify and manage potential tricuspid valve disease early, ensuring a healthy heart for years to come.

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. Leonardo Santos:

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

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions of 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. Leonardo Santos?

Your first visit with Dr. Santos will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and conduct an EKG. We'll also discuss lifestyle factors and risk factors to 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 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 a TAVR procedure?

TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, is a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR is performed through a catheter, leading to a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

What is a pacemaker, and who needs one?

A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted under the skin to help regulate a slow or irregular heartbeat. It's needed when the heart's natural electrical system isn't working correctly, ensuring the heart beats at a proper, steady rate.

How is Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) related to heart disease?

Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is caused by the same process as coronary artery disease—atherosclerosis. However, P.A.D. 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 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 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. Santos uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

2100 Ocoee Apopka Rd Ste 120
Apopka FL 32703
Phone: (407) 889-1930

Dr. Leonardo Florencio Dos Santos, 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): 1447887179

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. Leonardo Santos 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.