Dr. Lushantha Gunasekera, MD

Dr. Lushantha Gunasekera, MD is a Cardiology specialist at The Cardiovascular Center of Florida in Orlando, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive cardiovascular care. He is registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), a testament to his commitment to the highest standards of medical practice. His focus on prevention sets him apart, recognizing that your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke. This collaboration involves creating a long-term health plan, coordinating essential screenings, and managing cardiovascular risk factors for a lifetime of wellness. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and welcomes new patients to embark on this proactive journey. Call (941) 325-0655 to schedule.

Dr. Lushantha S. Gunasekera is a board-certified cardiologist with expertise in cardiac CT, nuclear cardiology, and invasive cardiology. His rigorous training, encompassing an undergraduate degree from Cornell University and a medical degree from Albany Medical College, underscores his commitment to excellence. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Orlando Regional Medical Center, followed by a cardiology fellowship at SUNY Buffalo, solidifying his expertise in comprehensive cardiovascular care. Dr. Gunasekera's extensive experience, including over a decade in private practice since 2008, coupled with his board certification in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, positions him as a trusted authority. He is dedicated to evidence-based medicine and a collaborative approach, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Gunasekera provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Preventing DVT involves understanding your risk factors, such as prolonged immobility or surgery, and taking steps to reduce them, ensuring early detection and effective management to avoid severe complications.
• Rheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Managing rheumatic tricuspid disease effectively involves regular monitoring and often medication to control symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing, thereby ensuring a better quality of life.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Protecting your heart and kidneys requires proactive management of high blood pressure, especially if you already have chronic kidney disease; regular monitoring and treatment are essential.
• Septic Embolism: Preventing infections is key to avoiding septic emboli, which can severely harm your heart and blood vessels, emphasizing proactive health measures to safeguard your cardiovascular system.
• Pericardial Disease: Regular heart health screenings and prompt treatment of any infections can contribute to preventing pericardial disease and preserving heart function.
• Second Degree Heart Block: Because a second-degree heart block disrupts the normal electrical signals that control your heart's rhythm, it's vital to address it to mitigate your risk of potentially life-threatening arrhythmias and maintain good 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.
• 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.
• Prinzmetal Angina: Regular checkups and attention to cardiovascular health are crucial in detecting Prinzmetal angina early, allowing timely intervention and minimizing the risk of future heart events.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Managing sinus bradycardia effectively involves understanding its potential risks and working with your doctor to minimize complications, improving your long-term heart health through preventative measures.
• Syncope: Preventing sudden fainting spells (syncope) involves identifying and managing any heart rhythm irregularities or other health issues that may be causing them.
• Aortic Aneurysm: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking is crucial for preventing the development or worsening of an aortic aneurysm, safeguarding your heart health.

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

• 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.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: This procedure combines the precision of robotics with cardiac catheterization to provide detailed images of your heart, allowing for early detection of conditions like coronary artery disease and facilitating timely treatment.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging uses advanced technology like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to create detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels, helping doctors detect problems early and prevent serious heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiac ultrasound; this imaging test screens for issues like heart valve problems and blockages, enabling timely interventions.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): PCI is a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked arteries in your heart, improving blood flow and reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Thrombolysis: As part of your proactive heart health plan, thrombolysis is a critical treatment option for quickly addressing blood clots that are causing a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardioversion: Take a proactive step toward better heart health: cardioversion can restore your heart to a healthy rhythm, significantly lowering your risk of future cardiovascular events.
• 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.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Ensure your heart's structural integrity with a comprehensive evaluation; early detection of abnormalities can prevent the development of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
• 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.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: To take a proactive step toward a healthier heart, a nuclear stress test helps doctors identify areas of reduced blood flow, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of heart disease.
• 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).

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. Lushantha Gunasekera 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 proactively managing their activity levels after surgery, a patient significantly reduced the chance of developing acute deep vein thrombosis, enjoying a swift and healthy recovery.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed rheumatic tricuspid disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a positive outlook for the 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. Lushantha Gunasekera:

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. Lushantha Gunasekera?

Your first visit with Dr. Gunasekera will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. This will help us understand your current heart health and create a personalized plan to manage your risk factors.

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, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack. By making these lifestyle choices, you are actively shaping your own heart health destiny.

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

LDL, or "lousy" cholesterol, builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially causing blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove LDL from your body. Dr. Gunasekera helps manage both 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, however, affects the arteries in your legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, indicating a substantially increased 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 locate and eliminate the problematic heart tissue using heat or cold energy, often resolving the arrhythmia.

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. Gunasekera better understand your future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of your prevention strategy.

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.

The Cardiovascular Center of Florida
1723 Lucerne Ter Ste 100
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (941) 325-0655

Dr. Lushantha Gunasekera, 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): 1033380548

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. Lushantha Gunasekera 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.