Dr. Mark Hepp, MD

Dr. Mark Hepp, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Safety Harbor, 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). As a valued partner in preventive health, Dr. Hepp understands that 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 (727) 394-1911 to schedule.

Dr. Mark Hepp, MD is a cardiologist in Safety Harbor, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions and Heart Conditions, and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Temple University in 1989 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Hepp is affiliated with Mease Countryside Hospital and Morton Plant Hospital, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Hepp offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• First Degree Heart Block: Although often asymptomatic, first-degree heart block is a condition best addressed through regular check-ups to prevent future cardiac complications.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): Early detection of heart attack symptoms is crucial for minimizing long-term damage to your heart, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management.
• Hypertensive Heart without Failure: A diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease (without failure) signals that high blood pressure is causing changes to your heart. It emphasizes the need for lifestyle changes and medical management to avoid future heart issues.
• Mitral and Aortic Valve Disorder: Understanding your risk factors and undergoing screenings for mitral and aortic valve disorders allows for proactive intervention and prevents future heart issues.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Preventing complications from mitral valve stenosis involves understanding your risk factors, such as rheumatic fever history, and undergoing regular cardiac evaluations.
• Aortic Ectasia: Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, are vital for managing aortic ectasia and minimizing your risk of potentially life-threatening events.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Preventing heart attacks and strokes involves understanding Acute Coronary Syndrome; early detection and treatment are crucial for minimizing long-term damage and improving your heart health.
• Aortic Stenosis: Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, hindering blood flow from the heart and increasing your risk of heart failure—early detection and management are crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Infective Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves, can be prevented through proactive measures like managing existing health conditions and maintaining good overall hygiene.
• Carotid Sinus Syncope: Carotid sinus syncope is a condition where pressure on the arteries in your neck causes fainting; recognizing this risk helps us prevent serious injury from falls.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Regular monitoring for rheumatic aortic valve disease allows for early intervention and treatment, which can prevent severe complications such as heart failure and the need for invasive procedures.
• Ventricular Septal Defect: Having a VSD means there's an opening between the heart's lower pumping chambers, affecting blood flow and potentially leading to heart problems—making regular monitoring crucial for preventing long-term health issues.

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

• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: This non-invasive test helps detect coronary artery disease early, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This non-invasive test evaluates your heart's response to stress, allowing for early diagnosis of coronary artery disease and helping prevent serious heart events.
• 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.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Take a proactive step toward a healthier heart with myocardial perfusion imaging. This test visually assesses blood flow to your heart muscle, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that could cause heart attacks or strokes.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Take a proactive step towards heart health with arrhythmia screening—it checks for abnormal heart rhythms that could indicate underlying conditions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a crucial preventative measure for identifying silent heart conditions before they cause symptoms, giving you the opportunity to take proactive steps to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• 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.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: As a proactive step in managing your cardiovascular health, a pharmacologic nuclear stress test provides detailed images of your heart to detect reduced blood flow that could signal heart disease.
• 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.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: To proactively safeguard your heart health, consider a vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography; this non-invasive scan helps identify blockages or other issues in your arteries and veins before they become major problems.

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. Mark Hepp 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 adhering to a proactive health plan that included regular check-ups, a patient was able to identify and manage first-degree heart block, reducing the risk of future cardiac complications and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.
• By attending regular cardiac screenings and adhering to a heart-healthy lifestyle plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a heart attack, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their 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. Mark Hepp:

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 that need expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Mark Hepp?

Your first visit with Dr. Hepp will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. This will be followed by a discussion of your lifestyle 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. By proactively addressing these areas, you significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is the purpose of cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help patients recover from heart conditions like heart attacks, stents, or heart surgery. It strengthens the heart, reduces risk factors, and helps patients safely regain their confidence and quality of life.

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

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity. You'll 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.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a safe and painless ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart, allowing Dr. Hepp to assess the strength of the heart muscle, check the function of the heart valves, and detect structural problems.

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

LDL, or "lousy" cholesterol, builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially leading to blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove this bad cholesterol from your body. Dr. Hepp helps manage both to prevent heart disease.

1840 Mease Dr Ste 202
Safety Harbor FL 34695
Phone: (727) 394-1911

Dr. Mark Hepp, 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): 1194714758

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. Mark Hepp 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.