Dr. Vilma Torres, MD

Dr. Vilma Torres, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a deeply committed partner in preventive health. 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. She serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. Dr. Torres is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (352) 265-0820 to schedule.

With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Vilma Torres brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from State University Of New York, Health Science Center At Stony Brook in 1979 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Driven by a personal commitment to helping others, as evidenced by her own experience with a family member, Dr. Torres's approach is deeply rooted in preventative care. She is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society, and her areas of interest include heart failure device management and atrial fibrillation management. Dr. Vilma Torres offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Pulmonary Valve Disease: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol is essential for preventing or slowing the progression of pulmonary valve disease.
• First Degree Heart Block: Early detection of first-degree heart block allows for proactive lifestyle changes and monitoring to prevent potentially dangerous complications later in life.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia: Regular monitoring and early diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia are essential for preventing long-term damage to your heart and reducing the risk of life-threatening events.
• Prinzmetal Angina: Prinzmetal angina, a type of chest pain, is best prevented through early detection and management of risk factors like smoking and stress, to reduce the chance of heart attacks.
• Third Degree Heart Block: Managing cardiovascular risk factors is paramount in preventing the progression of conditions such as third-degree heart block, a severe heart rhythm disorder that disrupts the heart's normal electrical pathways, reducing the chance of severe events.
• Aortic Stenosis: Managing cardiovascular risk factors helps prevent aortic stenosis, a condition where your aortic valve doesn't open properly, restricting blood flow to your body and potentially causing heart damage over time.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Preventing coronary artery disease involves understanding and managing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, enabling you to keep your heart healthy for longer.
• Coronary Artery Dissection: Understanding your risk for coronary artery dissection is crucial for preventive cardiology, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe consequences like heart attack or 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.
• Second Degree Heart Block: Having a second-degree heart block means your heart's electrical system isn't working perfectly, leading to irregular heartbeats; proactive monitoring and treatment can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and other heart problems.
• Venous Compression: Addressing venous compression early helps prevent serious complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), protecting your heart and overall circulatory health.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Managing rheumatic aortic valve disease involves proactive steps to prevent further damage to your heart's aortic valve and avoid serious complications like heart failure, emphasizing the importance of regular checkups.

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

• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): A PAD screening helps detect narrowed arteries in your legs and feet, allowing for early treatment to prevent serious complications like heart attack or stroke.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Get a clear picture of your heart health with HeartAware's convenient online risk assessment, helping you take control of your cardiovascular future.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm, helping prevent strokes and other complications from irregular heartbeats.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: A cardiac MRI offers a comprehensive view of your heart and chest, providing critical information to detect and monitor cardiovascular diseases early on, thus promoting better management of your risk factors and improving overall heart health.
• 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.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Protecting your future starts with a cardiovascular diagnostic test, a simple procedure that can detect early signs of heart disease or stroke, enabling proactive treatment.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: To proactively monitor your heart health, a peripheral artery catheterization provides a detailed look at the arteries in your limbs, helping diagnose and prevent conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Tricuspid Valve Graft: To proactively address heart valve issues, a tricuspid valve graft may be considered to restore proper blood flow and reduce the risk of heart failure.
• 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_Testing: Taking a proactive step toward better heart health, a tilt table test can help rule out heart rhythm issues that cause fainting or dizziness.
• Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: As a proactive step toward a healthier heart, this procedure implants a device that monitors your heart's rhythm and can deliver shocks to correct potentially life-threatening irregularities.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: As a preventative measure, consider cardiac ablation if you experience palpitations or irregular heartbeats; it can restore a normal heart rhythm.

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. Vilma Torres 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 blood pressure and cholesterol, a patient significantly reduced their risk of pulmonary valve disease progression, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By proactively managing their heart health with regular check-ups, a patient was able to identify and address a first-degree heart block early, reducing potential risks and gaining peace of mind about their future well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Vilma Torres:

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

A cardiologist is a medical 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 that require expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Vilma Torres?

Your first visit with Dr. Torres 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 is achievable. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key to preventing a heart attack. These proactive steps empower you to shape your own heart health destiny.

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 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. Vilma Torres is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

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 using heat or cold energy, often curing the arrhythmia.

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

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity. You'll walk on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. It's a key non-invasive tool to detect potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

4037 NW 86th Ter
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 265-0820

Dr. Vilma Torres, 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): 1528087145

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. Vilma Torres 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.