Dr. Robert Eckart, DO

Dr. Robert Eckart, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing at Heart Specialists of Sarasota in Sarasota, 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 (941) 392-4558 to schedule.

Dr. Robert Eckart, DO is a cardiologist in Sarasota, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions, Heart Conditions, and Cardiac Implantable Device Procedures. He earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1998, followed by residency training in Cardiology at Tripler Army Medical Center (2001) and fellowship training at Brooke Army Medical Center and Brigham And Womens Hospital (2006). He is Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Eckart is affiliated with HCA Florida Englewood Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Pulmonary Venous Return Anomaly: Pulmonary venous return anomalies, if left unaddressed, can increase your risk of developing heart rhythm problems, emphasizing the importance of regular checkups.
• Arteriovenous Fistula: To prevent serious health problems, regular check-ups are important for early detection of arteriovenous fistulas, which can place extra stress on your heart and blood vessels.
• 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.
• 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.
• Septal Defect: Because a septal defect can cause a mix of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood, preventing complications requires consistent monitoring and, if needed, surgical intervention.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and heart infections can help prevent or slow the progression of mitral valve disease.
• Mitral and Aortic Valve Disorder: Preventing further damage to your heart valves is crucial; early detection and treatment of mitral and aortic valve disorders can dramatically improve your quality of life.
• Benign Heart Tumors: Even though benign, heart tumors can still affect your cardiovascular system. Regular screenings help catch them early, allowing for appropriate management and prevention of future issues.
• Cardiomegaly: Early detection of cardiomegaly through regular checkups is vital because it can be a warning sign of other heart problems, enabling timely treatment and better heart health outcomes.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): If you have a chronic lung condition, it's essential to work with your doctor to manage it effectively and reduce your risk of developing heart problems.
• Aortic Ectasia: Aortic ectasia is a widening of the aorta, your body's largest artery, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like aortic dissection.
• Angina: Managing angina effectively through medication and lifestyle modifications is key to preventing more severe heart issues like heart attacks and strokes.

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

• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: This procedure involves placing or replacing a small device to maintain a steady heart rhythm, reducing your risk of life-threatening heart issues.
• 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.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: To prevent sudden cardiac death, an ICD implant is a measure that continuously monitors your heart rhythm and delivers a shock if needed, safeguarding your life.
• 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.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: As part of your heart health journey, a dobutamine thallium stress test can reveal if your heart is getting enough blood, enabling early detection and management of potential problems.
• 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.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: Take charge of your cardiovascular health with a vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography. This simple test provides crucial insights into your circulatory system, enabling early detection of conditions that could lead to a stroke or heart attack.
• 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.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): A cardiac catheterization helps doctors check your heart's arteries for blockages that could lead to a heart attack or stroke, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
• Defibrillator Implantation: For individuals with a history of life-threatening heart rhythm issues, a defibrillator implant offers continuous protection and dramatically improves their chances of survival.
• Cardiac Imaging: As part of your preventative care, cardiac imaging helps assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. By detecting abnormalities early, you can work with your doctor to implement effective treatment and prevention strategies.
• Electrophysiology: An electrophysiology study provides a comprehensive evaluation of your heart's electrical signals, allowing for early detection of conditions like arrhythmias and paving the way for preventative measures to safeguard your long-term heart health.

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. Robert Eckart 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 attending regular checkups and following a proactive heart health plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk of developing heart rhythm problems associated with pulmonary venous return anomalies. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to confidently pursue their desired lifestyle.
• By attending regular check-ups, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential arteriovenous fistula risks, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed for early intervention, reducing the likelihood of future complications.

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. Robert Eckart:

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. Robert Eckart?

Your first visit with Dr. Eckart will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. We'll also discuss your lifestyle and risk factors to create a personalized heart health plan.

What are the most important things I can do to prevent a heart attack?

Taking control of your cardiovascular health is within your reach. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key preventive actions. By proactively addressing these areas, you significantly improve your chances of a healthy heart.

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. Eckart 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.

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. 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.

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. Eckart 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 causing blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove LDL from your body. Dr. Eckart helps manage both types of cholesterol to prevent heart disease.

What is a cardiac stress test?

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

Heart Specialists of Sarasota
1950 Arlington St Ste 400
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 392-4558

Dr. Robert Eckart, 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): 1366479404

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. Robert Eckart 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.