Why choose us?

The Suncoast Heart Institute, PLLC is a private solo cardiology practice in Sarasota, FL; under the direction of Stafford M. Smith, M.D., FACP, FACC.  Dr. Smith is a cardiologist, who is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease(s), and interventional cardiology.  He has over 30 years of experience in the care of patients with coronary artery disease/coronary atherosclerosis/ischemic heart disease, coronary ischemia or myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction(s)/heart attacks, percutaneous coronary intervention(s)/ stent placement, and congestive heart failure/CHF.  Dr. Smith was the radiation safety officer at the Scranton Heart Institute, P.C., and is an expert in the interpretation of myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT and PET), and the interpretation of cardiac catheterization and angioplasty films.  He has been designated a Testamur NASPExam MD, indicating expertise as a heart rhythm device specialist, having a vast experience implanting electronic cardiac rhythm devices [pacemaker, defibrillator, implanted loop recorder (ILR)/implanted cardiac monitor (ICM)].

Our facility is capable of providing our patients with a prompt appointment and a comprehensive evaluation of cardiac disease(s).  Your evaluation may require performance of an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), which can be done during your office visit.  We also perform exercise treadmill (stress) testing, and pharmacologic provocation (chemical stress) imaging [positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)], on-site for the diagnosis of ischemic cardiac disease. 

Cardiac ultrasound/echocardiography (echocardiogram/cardiac echo) imaging is available for the assessment of structural heart disease; including: cardiomegaly/chamber enlargement, cardiac performance, valvular heart disease/heart valve problems (aortic, pulmonic, mitral, tricuspid); including the presence of narrowed (stenosis) or leaking (insufficiency/regurgitation) valves.  These studies may also be able to measure the dimensions of your ascending aorta and aortic root, look for calcification within the aorta, and identify evidence of a heart valve infection (endocarditis).

We can provide you with an external (or an implanted) heart monitor for continued assessment of a rhythm abnormality/irregular heart rhythm (or arrhythmia); such as [premature atrial or ventricular complexes (PACs or PVCs), atrial or ventricular tachycardia/bradycardia and/or atrial or ventricular fibrillation].  Continued heart rhythm monitoring has the ability to assess for fast or slow heart rates (tachycardia or bradycardia), and to identify skipped beats, pauses, and heart block.

We can order additional outpatient cardiac diagnostic studies [computerized tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, carotid or peripheral ultrasound studies], to evaluate for the presence of peripheral vascular abnormalities [peripheral artery disease (PAD) or peripheral venous disease (PVD)].

We can also arrange for tilt table testing [for the diagnosis of neurally-mediated/vagally-mediated syncope and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)] to complete your diagnostic database.

Patients may be referred by another physician for an evaluation of known cardiac problems, or for an evaluation of their symptoms, such as: chest pain/chest discomfort, activity Intolerance/fatigue, shortness of breath (dyspnea/breathlessness), leg swelling (leg edema/pedal edema) dizziness/lightheadedness, palpitations, passing out/loss of consciousness, or any other suspicious cardiac symptoms.

If you are looking for a competent, qualified cardiologist to evaluate and supervise your cardiac status in the Sarasota community, give us a call to set up your appointment, today.