Dr. Sami Elchahal, MD

Dr. Sami Elchahal, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, 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). His commitment extends beyond reactive treatment, focusing on the crucial role of prevention. 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.

Dr. Sami Elchahal, MD is a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa. He is not accepting new patients; however, patients can call (813) 972-5090 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. He earned his medical degree from South Baylo University School Of Oriental Medicine At Los Angeles and 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. Dr. Elchahal's approach to care centers on collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is fluent in Arabic and also offers consultations in French.

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

• Noninfective Endocarditis: Preventing damage to your heart valves through proactive management of conditions like high blood pressure or rheumatic fever can significantly reduce your risk of developing noninfective endocarditis.
• Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Managing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation effectively, often through medication or lifestyle changes, is crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening blood clots and strokes.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Regular checkups are key to preventing heart problems; early detection of tricuspid valve disease allows for timely intervention and management to keep your heart strong.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: Early detection of heart conditions that might lead to ventricular fibrillation, like coronary artery disease, is crucial for preventing this potentially fatal arrhythmia.
• Pulmonary Valve Disease: Protecting your heart involves understanding pulmonary valve disease, a condition that, when left untreated, can significantly impact your cardiovascular health.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: If you have high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, it's essential to work with your doctor to control these conditions and lower your risk of cardiovascular events like stroke.
• Sinus Bradycardia: A slow heartbeat, or sinus bradycardia, might not always cause symptoms, but proactive monitoring and management can prevent serious health issues and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
• Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Preventing the long-term effects of chronic DVT requires proactive steps, including regular check-ups, lifestyle changes, and medications to reduce the risk of blood clot recurrence.
• Atherosclerosis of Aorta: Atherosclerosis of the aorta means fatty deposits are hardening your main artery, impacting blood flow. Regular checkups and proactive management can significantly slow or stop this process, protecting your heart health.
• Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: A congenital aortic valve disorder means your aortic valve didn't form properly at birth, so understanding this condition and following your doctor's recommendations is key to preventing more severe heart issues.
• Lipid Disorders: Managing lipid disorders effectively lowers your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications later in life.
• Angina: Experiencing angina is a warning sign that your heart isn't getting enough oxygen, highlighting the need for lifestyle changes and medical management to reduce your risk of serious 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. Sami Elchahal offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: This procedure combines the precision of robotics with cardiac catheterization to provide detailed images of your heart, allowing for early detection of conditions like coronary artery disease and facilitating timely treatment.
• 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 (incl. Coronary Angiography): As a proactive step in managing your heart health, a cardiac catheterization provides detailed images of your heart's blood vessels, helping detect and treat issues that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
• Cardioversion: Take a proactive step toward better heart health: cardioversion can restore your heart to a healthy rhythm, significantly lowering your risk of future cardiovascular events.
• 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.
• Impella Device: To support your heart during major surgery, an Impella device can provide temporary assistance to ensure a successful procedure and faster recovery.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Take charge of your heart health with a PAD screening; it's a simple test that can identify circulatory problems early, preventing future heart and limb issues.
• Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: To safeguard against life-threatening heart conditions, a small lead is inserted into your heart's left ventricle to accurately detect and address irregular heartbeats.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Take a proactive step towards a healthier heart by undergoing a structural heart disease evaluation to detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: A peripheral artery catheterization is a procedure that helps doctors check your blood flow to your legs and feet, allowing for early detection and prevention of serious circulatory problems.
• 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.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: Taking charge of your heart health, an ICD implantation helps prevent fatal arrhythmias by detecting and treating them automatically, ensuring your safety.

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. Sami Elchahal 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 managing their high blood pressure, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing noninfective endocarditis, ensuring a healthier heart for years to come. This proactive approach brought peace of mind, allowing them to focus on other important life goals.
• By diligently following a personalized plan, including medication and lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of potentially life-threatening complications from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, gaining peace of mind about their long-term well-being.

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. Sami Elchahal:

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 such as 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 need expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Sami Elchahal?

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

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 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 heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should, not that it has stopped working. It's a chronic condition, but manageable. Dr. Elchahal uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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

LDL, or "lousy" cholesterol, builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially leading to blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove this bad cholesterol from your body. Dr. Elchahal helps manage both to prevent heart disease.

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. Elchahal 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.

13801 Bruce B Downs Blvd Ste 104
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 972-5090

Dr. Sami Elchahal, 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): 1174522684

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. Sami Elchahal 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.