Dr. Vijay Vakharia, MD

Dr. Vijay Vakharia, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Plantation, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His practice prioritizes empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. 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 (786) 607-7607 to schedule.

Dr. Vijay Vakharia, MD is a cardiologist in Plantation, FL, with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in 1988, followed by residency training in Cardiology at Baylor College of Medicine in 1991. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine in 1994, deepening his expertise. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he is affiliated with HCA Florida Westside Hospital, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. The patient comes first in the practice. Dr. Vakharia provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Vijay Vakharia 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. Vijay Vakharia 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. Vijay Vakharia 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.
• Hypertensive Encephalopathy: Early detection and treatment of high blood pressure are essential for preventing hypertensive encephalopathy, a life-threatening condition that can cause seizures, coma, and even death.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Primary pulmonary hypertension is a disease where high blood pressure in the lung arteries can lead to heart damage; lifestyle adjustments and medical treatment can greatly improve long-term health.
• Aortic Ectasia: Understanding your family history and undergoing appropriate testing can facilitate early diagnosis of aortic ectasia, allowing for timely management and reduced risk of complications.
• Aortic Valve Disease: Aortic valve disease is a condition affecting the heart's aortic valve, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like heart failure.
• Hyperlipidemia: Managing hyperlipidemia through diet and exercise, or medication if needed, is essential for lowering your risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: A heart-healthy lifestyle and proactive monitoring of cholesterol and blood pressure are essential for preventing Acute Coronary Syndrome, a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart.
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) refers to heart defects present at birth that continue to affect adults, requiring lifelong monitoring and management to prevent serious complications.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Early detection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a weakening and bulging of the aorta, through screenings is vital to preventing a potentially fatal rupture.
• Heart Disease: Early detection and management of heart disease are crucial to prevent serious complications, such as heart failure and stroke, so don't ignore any symptoms and prioritize regular health screenings.
• 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.
• Acute Congestive Heart Failure: Acute congestive heart failure is a medical emergency that underscores the need for consistent monitoring of your cardiovascular health to identify and address risk factors before they lead to severe 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. Vijay Vakharia offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• Tilt_Testing: Tilt table testing helps doctors identify the cause of fainting or dizziness, potentially preventing serious heart-related complications.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: As a proactive step in managing your cardiovascular health, a pharmacologic nuclear stress test provides detailed images of your heart to detect reduced blood flow that could signal heart disease.
• Thrombolysis: As part of your proactive heart health plan, thrombolysis is a critical treatment option for quickly addressing blood clots that are causing a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiovascular stress test; it checks how well your heart functions during physical activity to identify hidden risks of heart disease or stroke.
• 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.
• Aortic Valve Surgery: Aortic valve surgery is a procedure to repair or replace a damaged aortic valve, improving blood flow to your body and reducing your risk of heart failure and 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: To proactively safeguard your heart health, consider a vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography; this non-invasive scan helps identify blockages or other issues in your arteries and veins before they become major problems.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: To take a proactive step toward a healthier heart, a nuclear stress test helps doctors identify areas of reduced blood flow, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of heart disease.

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. Vijay Vakharia 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 confidence in managing their symptoms and significantly reduced their risk of future heart-related issues.
• By diligently following a personalized health plan, a patient proactively managed their blood pressure, significantly reducing their risk of hypertensive encephalopathy and gaining peace of mind. Their proactive approach allowed them to confidently anticipate and prevent potential 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. Vijay Vakharia:

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. Vijay Vakharia?

Your first visit with Dr. Vakharia will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. We will 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 knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps 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 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. Vakharia better understand your future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of your prevention strategy.

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

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. It's placed during a minimally invasive procedure called an angioplasty, where a catheter is guided through a blood vessel to the heart.

201 SW 84th Ave
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (786) 607-7607

Dr. Vijay Vakharia, 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): 1144322181

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. Vijay Vakharia 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.