Dr. Steven Priest, MD

Dr. Steven Priest, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, 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), ensuring your care aligns with the highest standards of 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. Dr. Priest is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (239) 938-2000 to schedule.

Dr. Steven Priest, MD is a cardiologist in Fort Myers, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With over 40 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 Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1984 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Interventional Cardiology by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital, and he is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Priest provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chest Pain: Chest pain can be a sign of serious heart problems, so seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for preventing a heart attack or stroke.
• Coronary Vessel Malformation: Because coronary vessel malformations can increase the risk of heart disease, it's important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized management plan.
• Atrial Septal Defect: An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the heart's upper chambers that may go unnoticed, emphasizing the importance of regular cardiac screenings and timely intervention to avert future complications.
• Rheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Protecting your heart from rheumatic tricuspid disease starts with preventing rheumatic fever through early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat, demonstrating how proactive health care significantly reduces cardiovascular risks.
• Acute Congestive Heart Failure: Early detection and management of conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol are crucial in preventing the development of acute congestive heart failure and its potentially devastating consequences.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Tricuspid valve disease is a condition that can be managed to prevent severe complications. By working with your doctor, you can reduce your risk and live a healthier life.
• Hypertension: Managing hypertension effectively through medication and lifestyle modifications can prevent serious health complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
• Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: Managing a congenital aortic valve disorder involves proactive steps to reduce strain on the heart and prevent future heart problems, improving your long-term cardiovascular health.
• Infective Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves, can be prevented through proactive measures like managing existing health conditions and maintaining good overall hygiene.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Protecting your heart and kidneys requires proactive management of high blood pressure, especially if you already have chronic kidney disease; regular monitoring and treatment are essential.
• 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.
• Heart Attack (STEMI): Understanding STEMI, a type of heart attack with complete artery blockage, emphasizes the importance of regular health checks and prompt medical attention to minimize long-term damage.

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

• 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.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac ablation is a procedure that precisely targets and corrects abnormal electrical pathways in your heart, reducing your risk of serious heart events.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test provides valuable insights into your heart's ability to handle stress, allowing for timely intervention and preventative measures to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.
• Cardiac Imaging: Take a proactive step towards better heart health with cardiac imaging. This non-invasive procedure provides clear images of your heart, allowing doctors to identify and address potential problems before they become major health concerns.
• Tilt Table Testing: This test helps doctors understand if changes in blood pressure or heart rate are causing your symptoms, allowing for proactive management of heart health.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: This non-invasive screening, combining vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography, gives your doctor valuable information about the condition of your blood vessels, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious cardiovascular events.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Gain valuable insights into your cardiovascular health with a diagnostic test, which helps identify risk factors and guide personalized strategies to prevent heart issues.
• Treadmill Stress Test: This simple test helps determine if your heart is strong enough to handle physical activity and can reveal potential problems early on, allowing for timely intervention to prevent heart attacks or stroke.
• Mitral Valve Repair: Mitral valve repair is a proactive surgery to restore proper blood flow through your heart, helping prevent complications from a leaky or narrowed mitral valve.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): If you have significant coronary artery disease, PCI is a procedure to widen narrowed arteries, helping to reduce chest pain and improve your overall heart health.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: This procedure helps screen for potential blockages in your leg and foot arteries, allowing doctors to take steps to improve your circulation and reduce your risk of future complications.
• Aortic Valve Surgery: As part of comprehensive heart care, aortic valve surgery can address a failing aortic valve, reducing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other severe conditions.

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. Steven Priest 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 chest pain triggers and following a proactive heart health plan, a patient gained valuable peace of mind, knowing they were equipped to manage potential risks effectively.
• By working closely with a cardiologist on a personalized management plan, a patient proactively reduced their risk of coronary vessel malformation, gaining peace of mind and confidence in 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. Steven Priest:

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 need expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Steven Priest?

Your first visit with Dr. Priest 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 lifestyle and risk factors to create 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 involves managing blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, incorporating regular physical activity, and adopting a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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.

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

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. Priest uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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 problematic heart tissue, often curing the arrhythmia with heat or cold energy.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not only lower your blood pressure numbers but also prevent long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. Treatment often starts with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and medication is added when needed to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

1550 Barkley Cir
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 938-2000

Dr. Steven Priest, 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): 1083645287

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. Steven Priest 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.