Dr. Richard Thompson, MD

Dr. Richard Thompson, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Melbourne, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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. Call (321) 725-4500 to schedule.

Dr. Richard Thompson, MD is a cardiologist in Melbourne, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He is affiliated with Viera Hospital and Holmes Regional Medical Center and is accepting new patients. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1991, followed by an internship at St Vincent Hospital and Health Services, and St Vincent Hospital. He then pursued fellowship training in Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak Campus, and William Beaumont Hospital, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Thompson is a member of Midwest Physicians, an integrated, multi-specialty group dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Congenital Heart Defects: Because congenital heart defects can increase the risk of future cardiovascular issues, regular checkups and adherence to medical advice are essential for preventive care.
• Typical Atrial Flutter: Managing atrial flutter effectively through lifestyle changes and medication helps prevent serious complications like blood clots and stroke, safeguarding your long-term heart health.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Mitral valve stenosis, a narrowing of the mitral valve in your heart, can be managed effectively through regular checkups and lifestyle changes to prevent serious complications like heart failure.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing primary pulmonary hypertension effectively involves regular check-ups and medication to lower your lung blood pressure, thus preventing further damage to your heart and lungs.
• Nonrheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Nonrheumatic tricuspid disease, a condition impacting a heart valve, highlights the importance of proactive heart health management to reduce complications and maintain quality of life.
• Hypotension: Understanding and managing your blood pressure, both high and low, is essential in preventative care to reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems.
• Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is an irregular heartbeat that, if left untreated, can increase your risk of stroke and heart failure, highlighting the importance of regular heart checkups.
• Septal Defect: Septal defects, if left unmanaged, can lead to increased strain on the heart and potentially heart failure; regular check-ups and proactive treatment are crucial for prevention.
• Aneurysm of Heart: Regular cardiovascular screenings can help detect a heart aneurysm early, allowing for timely treatment and reducing the risk of serious cardiac events.
• Aortic Aneurysm: An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, your body's largest artery, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent a potentially life-threatening rupture.
• Atypical Atrial Flutter: Managing atypical atrial flutter effectively through medication or procedures helps prevent blood clots, thus reducing your risk of a potentially life-threatening stroke.
• 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.

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

• Tilt Table Testing: By assessing your body's response to changes in position, a tilt table test can help detect hidden heart rhythm problems and prevent future health issues.
• Tilt_Testing: This test is a valuable tool in diagnosing neurocardiogenic syncope, a condition that can sometimes be related to heart health.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a life-saving procedure to treat dangerous irregular heartbeats that could lead to heart failure, stroke, or even sudden death.
• Coronary Angiogram: Taking a proactive step towards heart health, a coronary angiogram allows doctors to assess the condition of your coronary arteries and identify areas needing treatment to prevent future cardiovascular events.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Arrhythmia screening helps detect irregular heartbeats early, potentially preventing serious complications like stroke and heart failure.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware's online risk screening provides a personalized assessment of your risk factors for heart disease and stroke, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.
• 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.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This heart screening uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, allowing doctors to assess its health, detect abnormalities early on, and implement preventative measures.
• 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.

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. Richard Thompson 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 cardiovascular health plan, a family felt empowered to manage potential risks associated with congenital heart defects, promoting peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By understanding and managing their atrial flutter through lifestyle changes and medication, a patient felt empowered to reduce their risk of serious complications and enjoy a healthier future. This proactive approach brought peace of mind, knowing they were actively safeguarding their heart health.

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. Richard Thompson:

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 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 expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Richard Thompson?

Your first visit with Dr. Thompson will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, take 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 actions. These steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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

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

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

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 (plaque buildup). However, P.A.D. affects the arteries in the legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, indicating a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke.

1223 Gateway Dr Ste 2E
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 725-4500

Dr. Richard Thompson, 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): 1891780128

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. Richard Thompson 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.