Dr. Ryan Houk, MD

Dr. Ryan Houk, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at our Naples, FL clinic, 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. Call (239) 682-6603 to schedule.

Dr. Ryan Houk, MD is a cardiologist in Naples, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Houk has extensive experience in Congenital Cardiac Conditions, Heart Conditions, and Adult Congenital Heart Conditions. He graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2011 and completed his residency training in Cardiology at Yale New Haven Med Ctr-Yale University in 2014, followed by fellowship training in Ochsner Clinic Foundation in 2017. He is affiliated with Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Houk provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia increases your chances of heart attack and stroke, but with proactive management, including healthy habits and medical guidance, you can significantly reduce these risks.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Hypertensive heart disease develops when consistently high blood pressure strains your heart; early detection and treatment are vital to prevent further damage.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Managing atrial fibrillation effectively helps prevent serious complications like blood clots and stroke, safeguarding your long-term heart health.
• Unstable Angina: Because unstable angina indicates a significant blockage in your heart's blood vessels, early detection through regular checkups and attention to risk factors can dramatically lower your chances of severe cardiovascular events.
• Subacute Endocarditis: Subacute endocarditis, a gradual infection of the heart valves, underscores the need for swift medical attention to any suspected infection and careful management of existing heart conditions to avoid severe consequences.
• Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: Chronic congestive heart failure, a serious condition, can be better managed through lifestyle changes and medication, thereby improving your heart's function and quality of life.
• 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.
• Pericardial Disease: Pericardial disease involves inflammation or infection of the sac surrounding your heart, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Coronary Artery Aneurysm: Preventing a coronary artery aneurysm from growing or rupturing involves proactive management of conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol to protect your heart's arteries.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: If you have high blood pressure and kidney disease, it's important to work with your doctor to control your blood pressure and protect your kidneys, thus lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• First Degree Heart Block: First-degree heart block is a slow heart rhythm that, while often harmless, warrants monitoring to detect any progression that could lead to more serious heart problems.
• Aortopulmonary Septal Defect: Aortopulmonary septal defect (APSD) is a birth defect where there's a hole between the aorta and pulmonary artery, impacting blood flow and potentially leading to heart strain; early detection and management are crucial for preventing future complications.

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

• 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.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Take control of your heart health by scheduling a structural heart disease evaluation; it helps identify structural issues, enabling early intervention and a better prognosis.
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: A pacemaker insertion or replacement helps regulate your heartbeat, preventing dangerous rhythms that can lead to stroke or heart failure.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Protecting your heart starts with knowing its rhythm: an arrhythmia screening can identify irregularities and allow for timely intervention.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: To help ensure a healthy heart, this stress test checks your heart's response to exertion, aiding in the early diagnosis and prevention of heart disease and stroke.
• 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.
• Tilt_Testing: To proactively address fainting spells or unexplained lightheadedness, a tilt table test can help determine if a heart condition is the underlying cause.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Take charge of your heart health with a cardiovascular diagnostic test; it screens for hidden conditions, helping you make informed lifestyle choices and reduce your risk of future heart disease.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Don't wait for symptoms – proactive PAD screening helps identify and treat artery narrowing in your legs and feet before they cause significant health issues.
• 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.
• Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): As a preventative measure, a TEE offers a highly detailed view of your heart, allowing doctors to identify conditions like clots or valve problems that could lead to serious cardiovascular events.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiac ultrasound; this imaging test screens for issues like heart valve problems and blockages, enabling timely interventions.

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. Ryan Houk 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 hyperlipidemia risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient felt empowered to take control of their heart health and significantly reduce their risk of future cardiovascular events.
• By diligently following a personalized plan for blood pressure management, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hypertensive heart disease, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided them with the peace of mind to confidently pursue their goals and enjoy a fulfilling life.

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. Ryan Houk:

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 needing expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ryan Houk?

Your first visit with Dr. Houk will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, perform an EKG, and discuss your 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 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 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 isn't usually life-threatening, it significantly increases the risk of stroke. Dr. Houk is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

What is a stent, and how is it placed?

A stent is a tiny, wire-mesh tube that acts as a scaffold to prop open a blocked artery in the heart. It's placed during a minimally invasive procedure called an angioplasty, where a catheter is guided through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin up to the heart.

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 uses a catheter, leading to a much faster recovery for eligible patients. This procedure offers a less invasive alternative for those who may not be candidates for traditional surgery.

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.

730 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Ste 100
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 682-6603

Dr. Ryan Houk, 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): 1053640003

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. Ryan Houk 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.