Dr. William Dresen, MD

Dr. William Dresen, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Ocala, 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). 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 (352) 387-3159 to schedule.

Dr. William Dresen, MD is a cardiologist in Ocala, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1977 and completed an internship at University Louisville Hosps in 1978. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Cardiology at University Louisville Hosps (graduated 1980), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in University Louisville Hosps (graduated 1983), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, a Part of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and UF Health Shands Hospital, and is accepting new patients. Dr. Dresen provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Don't underestimate the link between your lungs and your heart: proactive care for chronic pulmonary diseases is key to preventing cardiovascular issues.
• Type 2 Heart Block - Mobitz: Having Mobitz type 2 heart block means your heart's beat isn't always regular, emphasizing the need for proactive cardiovascular risk management to prevent strokes or other heart problems.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition where cholesterol and other substances clog your arteries, making early detection and management crucial for preventing serious cardiovascular events.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a serious heart condition requiring immediate medical attention, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent it.
• Unstable Angina: Unstable angina signals a critical issue with your coronary arteries, making prompt diagnosis and treatment essential to avoid a heart attack or stroke.
• Arrhythmias: An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that, if detected early and managed properly, can help prevent serious heart problems like stroke or heart failure.
• Systolic Heart Failure: Preventing systolic heart failure involves proactive steps to control risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, ensuring your heart can pump blood strongly for years to come.
• Hypotension: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, might require medical attention as it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health issue needing early intervention.
• 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.
• Syncope: Preventing sudden fainting spells (syncope) involves identifying and managing any heart rhythm irregularities or other health issues that may be causing them.
• Heart Attack (NSTEMI): An NSTEMI, or a heart attack with partial blockage, emphasizes the need for early detection and intervention of cardiovascular risk factors to reduce the chances of future heart attacks and serious complications.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm irregularity that can be prevented through proactive management of risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

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

• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Take a proactive step toward a healthier heart with myocardial perfusion imaging. This test visually assesses blood flow to your heart muscle, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that could cause heart attacks or strokes.
• 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.
• 24-Hour Ambulatory Electrocardiogram: This painless test involves wearing a small, portable device that continuously monitors your heart's electrical activity for 24 hours, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening conditions.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: As part of your heart health journey, a nuclear stress test provides a detailed look at your heart's function during exercise, helping to detect potential problems and prevent serious events like strokes.
• Tilt_Testing: As a preventative measure, tilt table testing can assess your risk of syncope (fainting), which could be linked to underlying heart problems.
• Pacemaker Monitoring: Proactive pacemaker checks allow for early detection of any issues, potentially preventing serious complications like heart failure or stroke.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Protecting your heart is key – a cardiovascular stress test helps pinpoint potential weaknesses in your heart's performance before they lead to major health problems like a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a painless test using sound waves to create images of your heart, helping detect problems early and prevent future heart disease or stroke.
• 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.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: Regular assessment of your implanted cardiac device ensures its continued effectiveness in protecting against sudden cardiac arrest and other serious heart conditions.
• Carotid Ultrasound: Protecting your brain starts with a carotid ultrasound, a non-invasive screening that identifies plaque buildup in your neck arteries, a major stroke risk factor.
• 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.

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. William Dresen 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 proactively managing their lung health and understanding the interconnectedness of their heart and lungs, a patient significantly reduced their risk of chronic pulmonary heart disease, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By closely monitoring heart rhythms and adhering to a proactive cardiovascular health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Type 2 Heart Block – Mobitz, gaining peace of mind and confidence in 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. William Dresen:

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 requiring expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. William Dresen?

Your first visit with Dr. Dresen will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, and perform an EKG. We will also discuss your 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, not 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 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 the difference between 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol?

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

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 pinpoint and eliminate the problematic heart tissue using heat or cold energy, often resolving the arrhythmia.

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

3310 SW 34th St
Ocala FL 34474
Phone: (352) 387-3159

Dr. William Dresen, 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): 1831127554

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. William Dresen 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.