Dr. Vijaya Koka, MD

Dr. Vijaya Koka, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at the Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida in Ocala, FL. He is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive cardiovascular care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. Please call (352) 517-2489 to schedule. Dr. Koka, a 63-year-old physician with 41 years of experience, earned his medical degree from Gunter Medical College and completed his residency in Cardiology at Coney Island Hospital. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is affiliated with Munroe Regional Medical Center and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. Dr. Koka's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Vijaya Koka provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that requires careful management to prevent heart disease and stroke; lifestyle changes and medication can make a big difference.
• Coronary Artery Aneurysm: By addressing risk factors like smoking and diabetes, you significantly reduce your chances of developing a coronary artery aneurysm and maintain a healthy heart.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Protecting your heart starts with healthy lungs: managing chronic pulmonary diseases helps avoid future heart problems and complications.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia is a heart rhythm disorder that can be managed effectively to lower your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues, highlighting the importance of proactive heart health.
• 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.
• Type 2 Heart Block - Mobitz: Mobitz type 2 heart block is a rhythm problem where your heart's electrical signals don't always reach the lower chambers efficiently, highlighting the importance of regular heart check-ups to catch and manage this condition before it causes serious complications.
• Acute Endocarditis: Acute endocarditis, a dangerous heart infection, highlights the importance of proactive healthcare; regular checkups can help detect and manage risk factors before they lead to serious illness.
• 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.
• Syncope: Syncope, or fainting, can be a sign of an underlying heart problem, so seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Early diagnosis and appropriate management of rheumatic aortic valve disorders can help you slow or stop the progression of valve damage, leading to a better quality of life and preventing significant cardiac events.
• 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.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Experiencing a persistently rapid heartbeat (sinus tachycardia) warrants medical attention, as it could indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medication to reduce your risk of heart problems.

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

• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Invest in your cardiovascular future by having a structural heart disease evaluation; this check-up identifies structural problems that might increase your risk of heart disease or stroke.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Take a proactive step towards heart health with arrhythmia screening—it checks for abnormal heart rhythms that could indicate underlying conditions.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Take charge of your heart health with HeartAware: a quick online screening that helps identify your risk for heart disease and stroke, allowing for early intervention.
• 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.
• Cardioversion: If you experience irregular heartbeats, cardioversion is a treatment option that can help restore a normal rhythm and improve your long-term cardiovascular health.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's ability to handle increased workload, identifying potential blockages that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Treadmill Stress Test: To proactively safeguard your heart, a treadmill stress test evaluates how well your heart functions during exercise, identifying any weaknesses before they become serious issues.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: A vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography is a painless test that uses sound waves to check the health of your blood vessels, helping detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications like heart disease or stroke.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Protect your heart by getting a cardiac ultrasound – a non-invasive scan that provides detailed images of your heart's structure and function, aiding in the early diagnosis of heart 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. Vijaya Koka 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 adhering to a tailored health plan, including medication and lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hypertensive chronic kidney disease, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to actively manage their well-being.
• By addressing lifestyle factors and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a coronary artery aneurysm, gaining peace of mind about 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. Vijaya Koka:

What is a Cardiologist, and when should I see one?

A cardiologist is a doctor 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. Vijaya Koka?

Your first visit with Dr. Koka will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, obtain 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 key. Know and control your blood pressure and cholesterol, don't smoke, be physically active, and eat a heart-healthy diet. These steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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. Koka better understand your future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of your prevention strategy.

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, resulting in a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

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 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 is not usually life-threatening, it significantly increases the risk of stroke. Dr. Koka is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to treat high blood pressure not just by lowering numbers, but by preventing long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This involves foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and when necessary, medications to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida
2111 SW 20th Pl
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 517-2489

Dr. Vijaya Koka, 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): 1467436212

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. Vijaya Koka 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.