Maria Theresa Espiritu, APRN

Maria Theresa Espiritu, APRN is a Cardiology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) practicing at her clinic in Sebring, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she's dedicated to 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. She serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction.

Dr. Maria APRN is a cardiology specialist in Sebring, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that prevention is key. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (863) 386-0055. Dr. Maria APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Nonrheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Nonrheumatic mitral stenosis, a condition affecting the mitral valve, highlights the importance of proactive heart health management to avoid severe complications like shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Living with ACHD means taking steps to minimize your risk of future cardiovascular problems through regular checkups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
• Vascular Disease: Protecting your blood vessels is key to preventing vascular disease; lifestyle changes and medical interventions can significantly reduce your risk and improve your heart health.
• Coronary Artery Disease, Autosomal Dominant 2: Early identification of Coronary Artery Disease, Autosomal Dominant 2 through genetic testing and proactive management of risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
• Atrioventricular Block: Atrioventricular block is a heart rhythm problem where the electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of your heart are delayed or blocked, making early detection crucial for preventing serious complications like fainting or heart failure.
• Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS): Managing renal artery stenosis, a condition where kidney arteries narrow, is vital for preventing hypertension and subsequent heart problems, emphasizing the importance of preventive care.
• Conduction Disorder of the Heart: Preventing heart rhythm problems starts with understanding conduction disorders: these disrupt your heart's natural rhythm, and proactive lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk.

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

• 3D Quantitative Echocardiography: This advanced ultrasound, 3D Quantitative Echocardiography, gives your doctor a clearer picture of your heart's function and helps prevent future heart attacks or strokes by identifying potential risks early.
• Lower Extremity Peripheral Ultrasound: A lower extremity peripheral ultrasound is a painless test using sound waves to check the blood flow in your legs and feet, helping detect early signs of peripheral artery disease and preventing serious complications.
• Aortic Reconstruction Surgery: To prevent serious aortic conditions, this surgery strengthens a weakened aorta, significantly lowering your risk of sudden, devastating health events.
• Peripheral Arterial Puncture: A peripheral arterial puncture is a simple procedure that helps doctors check your blood flow to detect early signs of peripheral artery disease, potentially preventing serious heart and circulatory problems.
• Pediatric EKG (Electrocardiogram, ECG): Protecting your child's heart health starts with a pediatric EKG, a painless test that screens for irregularities and helps prevent future heart issues.
• Ultrasound, Cardiac: Take charge of your heart health with a cardiac ultrasound – a simple scan that checks your heart's structure and function, allowing for early detection and treatment of potential issues.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: Taking proactive steps to ensure your pacemaker or defibrillator continues to function optimally helps maintain a healthy heart rhythm and prevents life-threatening complications.

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. Maria 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 proactively managing their heart health through regular check-ups and lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing nonrheumatic mitral stenosis, ensuring a healthier future.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and medication, a patient successfully minimized the risk of future cardiovascular issues, fostering peace of mind and enabling a confident lifestyle.

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. Maria 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 requiring specialized management.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Maria APRN will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain 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 empowering. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key preventive actions. These steps can significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should, not that it has stopped working. It's a chronic condition, but manageable. Dr. Maria APRN will work with you to use medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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.

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. Maria APRN better understand a patient's future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of their prevention strategy.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; Dr. Maria APRN is an expert at determining the cause, often using an echocardiogram to see if the murmur is related to a heart valve problem that needs monitoring or treatment.

4638 Sun N Lake Blvd
Sebring FL 33872
Phone: (863) 386-0055

Maria Theresa Espiritu, 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): 1710478201

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. Maria 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.