Kristen Smith, APRN

Kristen Smith, APRN is a Cardiology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at Heart and Health Institute - NW 84th Ave in Plantation, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. She serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Kristen APRN is a cardiology specialist in Plantation, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital. She 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. Her approach emphasizes a partnership between patient and provider, fostering a shared understanding of risk factors and proactive strategies. She is accepting new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (954) 731-1101. Dr. Kristen APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Aortic Aneurysm, Familial Abdominal: Having a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms increases your risk of developing this dangerous condition, emphasizing the importance of proactive health monitoring and lifestyle changes to reduce complications.
• Takayasu's Arteritis: Managing Takayasu's arteritis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps reduce your risk of future cardiovascular events and improves your overall quality of life.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): While many people with a PFO live without issues, it can be a risk factor for stroke if a blood clot moves through it to the brain; addressing other risk factors like high blood pressure can lessen your stroke risk.
• Venous Thromboembolic Disease: Early detection and management of venous thromboembolic disease are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications, like a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs.
• Ischemic Limb: Early detection of an ischemic limb is crucial, as it signals a potentially life-threatening lack of blood flow and emphasizes the need for regular health checkups.
• Cardiomyopathy - Renal Anomalies: Protecting your kidneys and heart is essential, as problems in one area can increase the chances of developing problems in the other, necessitating careful monitoring and management.
• Ischemia: Ischemia is a warning sign that blood flow to your heart is restricted, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and lifestyle changes to minimize your risk of heart disease and stroke.

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

• Insertion of Epicardial Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: This procedure involves placing a lead on your heart's outer surface to improve its electrical signals, helping to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: Early detection is key to preventing heart disease. An arterial Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that evaluates blood flow in your arteries, providing valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.
• 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.
• Valvuloplasty: To maintain optimal cardiovascular health, valvuloplasty can help repair a damaged heart valve, leading to improved heart function and reducing the risk of complications.
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: Proactive management of irregular heartbeats is possible with pacemaker insertion or replacement, helping you avoid serious complications.
• Thrombolytic Therapy: Thrombolytic therapy is a treatment that dissolves blood clots quickly, helping prevent serious complications like heart attacks and strokes.
• Aneurysm Stenting: Aneurysm stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that helps prevent a weakened blood vessel from rupturing, reducing the risk of life-threatening bleeding and stroke.

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. Kristen APRN 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 following a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and lifestyle modifications, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing a potentially dangerous aortic aneurysm. They now feel empowered and confident in their ability to manage their health proactively.
• By adhering to a prescribed medication regimen and healthy lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future cardiovascular issues associated with Takayasu's Arteritis, achieving greater peace of mind and a better quality of life.

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. Kristen APRN:

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 needing expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Kristen APRN?

Your first visit with Dr. Kristen APRN will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform 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 achievable. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key preventive steps. These actions 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.

What is a cardiac stress test?

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

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

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.

What is a pacemaker, and who needs one?

A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted under the skin to help regulate a slow or irregular heartbeat. It's needed when the heart's natural electrical system isn't working correctly, ensuring the heart beats at a proper, steady rate.

Heart and Health Institute - NW 84th Ave
350 NW 84th Ave Ste 300
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (954) 731-1101

Kristen Smith, APRN 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): 1255516373

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. Kristen APRN 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.