Dr. R David Anderson, MD

Dr. R David Anderson, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, 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). 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. Please call (352) 265-0820 to schedule an appointment.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Anderson brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1990, followed by an internship and residency at the University of Maryland Hospital, and a fellowship at Duke University Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Anderson's practice philosophy prioritizes listening to each patient's unique story and tailoring care plans to meet their individual needs. He is a professor of medicine in the University of Florida Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the director of interventional cardiology and cardiac catheterization. Dr. Anderson provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Subacute Endocarditis: Catching subacute endocarditis early is crucial, as it can lead to heart valve damage and other life-threatening complications if left untreated, emphasizing the need for proactive healthcare.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive chronic kidney disease means high blood pressure is damaging your kidneys, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent further harm and protect 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.
• Atrial Septal Defect: Early detection of an atrial septal defect (ASD), a birth defect affecting the heart, is crucial for preventing potential long-term complications like stroke and high blood pressure.
• 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.
• Pulmonary Insufficiency: If you have risk factors for pulmonary insufficiency, regular monitoring of your lung and heart function can help detect problems early and prevent heart disease and stroke progression.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Managing congenital heart defects effectively, often through surgery or medication, is crucial for preventing future heart problems and improving long-term heart health.
• Septic Embolism: Managing infections effectively is vital in reducing your risk of a septic embolism, a dangerous condition that can lead to heart damage and stroke.
• Heart Attack (STEMI): Preventing heart attacks like STEMI involves proactive management of risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, allowing for early intervention and a better chance of recovery.
• Third Degree Heart Block: Preventing serious heart complications like stroke requires proactive management of conditions such as third-degree heart block, a rhythm disorder that disrupts the heart's coordinated beating, emphasizing the need for timely medical intervention.
• Heart Attack (NSTEMI): Understanding your risk for an NSTEMI, a less severe type of heart attack, is crucial for proactive prevention through lifestyle changes and medical management to protect your heart health.
• First Degree Heart Block: Understanding and managing first-degree heart block through regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your risk of developing more severe arrhythmias.

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

• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This imaging test helps doctors pinpoint areas of reduced blood flow to your heart, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes, making it a crucial step in proactive heart care.
• Thrombolysis: Protecting your heart and brain requires immediate action if a blood clot blocks an artery. Thrombolysis is a time-sensitive treatment that dissolves these clots, preventing permanent damage.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Cardiac catheterization allows doctors to accurately assess the health of your coronary arteries, helping prevent future heart attacks and strokes by enabling early detection of blockages and enabling appropriate treatment.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): To keep your heart healthy, PCI can be used to clear blockages in your coronary arteries, helping prevent future cardiovascular events.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): A PAD screening helps detect narrowed arteries in your legs and feet, allowing for early treatment to prevent serious complications like heart attack or stroke.
• 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.
• Aortic Valve Surgery: Aortic valve surgery helps prevent life-threatening complications stemming from a narrowed or leaky aortic valve, improving your long-term cardiovascular health.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Protect your heart's health with a structural heart disease assessment; this evaluation helps identify and address issues like valve problems or birth defects before they cause significant damage.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: Taking proactive steps for heart health, this test uses medication and imaging to screen for narrowed heart arteries, potentially preventing future cardiovascular events.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: As a preventative measure, peripheral artery catheterization helps identify blockages in your leg and foot arteries, enabling timely treatment to reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: Taking proactive steps to ensure your pacemaker or defibrillator continues to function optimally helps maintain a healthy heart rhythm and prevents life-threatening complications.
• 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.

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. R Anderson 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 diligently following a proactive heart health plan, a patient minimized the risk of subacute endocarditis, achieving peace of mind and ensuring a healthier future.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and lifestyle modifications, a patient successfully lowered their risk of developing hypertensive chronic kidney disease, ensuring the long-term health of their kidneys and heart.

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. R Anderson:

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 require expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. R Anderson?

Your first visit with Dr. Anderson will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will 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 to preventing a heart attack. These steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk.

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 small area of heart tissue causing the problem, often curing the arrhythmia, using heat or cold energy.

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 an echocardiogram?

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

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.

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. R. Anderson is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

4037 NW 86th Ter
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 265-0820

Dr. R David Anderson, 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): 1669425047

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. R Anderson 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.