Dr. Mark Starnes, DO

Dr. Mark Starnes, DO is a Cardiology specialist at HCA Florida Heart Institute - Largo in Largo, 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 trusted partner in preventive health, Dr. Starnes 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) 609-8123 to schedule.

Dr. Starnes is a non-invasive cardiologist caring for patients in Pinellas County and surrounding areas. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including a medical degree from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and residency and fellowship training in Cardiology at HCA Florida Largo Hospital. He is Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Starnes, a native of North Carolina, is proud husband and father. He enjoys spending time with family, local activities, traveling, and cheering on the UNC Tarheels. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Preventing coronary artery disease involves understanding and managing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, enabling you to keep your heart healthy for longer.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic lung conditions like pulmonary hypertension can strain your heart, making early detection and management crucial for preventing heart damage.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain might indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medical interventions to manage your cardiovascular risk factors and prevent future heart problems.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Having both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease significantly raises your chances of developing heart problems; regular checkups and lifestyle changes can help manage this risk.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Having both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease significantly increases your risk of heart problems and stroke; managing both conditions is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Chronic Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Chronic venous embolism thrombosis means you have a history of blood clots in your veins, putting you at higher risk for more clots and potentially severe complications; proactive management through medication and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce this risk.
• Benign Heart Tumors: Managing a benign heart tumor often involves regular monitoring to ensure it doesn't grow or cause problems. This proactive approach is key to maintaining optimal cardiovascular health.
• 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 Attack (STEMI): Understanding STEMI, a type of heart attack with complete artery blockage, emphasizes the importance of regular health checks and prompt medical attention to minimize long-term damage.
• Nonrheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Understanding your risk for nonrheumatic mitral stenosis through family history and regular checkups is crucial for preventing serious heart issues and maintaining optimal cardiovascular health.
• Aortic Valve Disease: Managing aortic valve disease involves proactive steps to control its progression, reducing your risk of stroke or other cardiovascular events.
• Lipid Disorders: Managing lipid disorders effectively lowers your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications later in life.

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

• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): This procedure involves a thin tube inserted into your blood vessels to visualize your heart and coronary arteries, helping identify potential problems before they cause serious symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: To proactively safeguard your heart health, this advanced procedure uses robotic assistance for a precise examination of your heart's arteries, helping identify and address potential problems before they become serious.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiac MRI – it's a non-invasive test that can identify potential heart issues before they become major problems, helping prevent strokes and heart attacks.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: As a proactive measure to maintain your cardiovascular health, cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging offers a detailed picture of your heart's blood supply, enabling early detection of coronary artery disease and reducing your risk of future heart events.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a simple yet powerful tool for preventing serious heart problems; it helps identify potential issues like weakened heart muscles or abnormal blood flow before they worsen.
• Cardioversion: If you experience irregular heartbeats, cardioversion is a treatment option that can help restore a normal rhythm and improve your long-term cardiovascular health.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Don't wait for symptoms; proactively assess your heart health with an EKG, a simple test that can detect underlying issues and help prevent serious cardiovascular events.
• 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.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: By assessing the blood vessels in your legs and feet, a peripheral artery catheterization helps identify circulation issues early on, preventing severe health problems and promoting proactive heart health management.
• Thrombolysis: To prevent devastating consequences of a blocked artery, thrombolysis uses medication to break up blood clots responsible for heart attacks and strokes, restoring blood flow to vital organs.
• Tilt_Testing: As a preventative measure, tilt table testing can assess your risk of syncope (fainting), which could be linked to underlying heart problems.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: A vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography is a painless test that uses sound waves to check the health of your blood vessels, helping detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications like heart disease or stroke.

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 Starnes 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 following a proactive heart health plan, a patient felt empowered to reduce their chances of developing coronary artery disease, fostering a greater sense of well-being.
• By proactively managing underlying lung conditions and adhering to a personalized care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing chronic pulmonary heart diseases, gaining peace of mind and a healthier outlook.

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 Starnes:

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

A cardiologist is a medical expert specializing in the heart and blood vessels. You should see a cardiologist if you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, a family history of heart disease, or risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol that need expert management.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Starnes 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 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, resulting in a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

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

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is like a helpful scavenger, removing "bad" (LDL) cholesterol from your body. "Bad" cholesterol, or LDL, is the "lousy" kind that builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially leading to blockages. Dr. Starnes helps manage both to prevent heart disease.

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 surgery. It strengthens the heart, reduces risk factors, and helps patients safely regain their confidence and quality of life.

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. Starnes to assess the strength of the heart muscle, check the function of the heart valves, and detect structural problems.

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. Starnes 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.

HCA Florida Heart Institute - Largo
1551 West Bay Dr Ste 300
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 609-8123

Dr. Mark Starnes, DO 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): 1114470366

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 Starnes 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.