Dr. Kari Clark, DO is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Cardiovascular care for older adults at her clinic in Stuart, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. As a partner in senior health, Dr. Clark understands the unique cardiovascular needs of individuals 65 years and older and focuses on providing expert diagnosis and management of complex heart conditions. General cardiologists provide expert diagnosis and management of complex heart conditions common in older adults, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, personalized care. Dr. Clark is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments; please call (772) 781-0222 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Kari Clark, DO is a cardiologist in Stuart, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Interventional Cardiac Procedures, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Clark earned her medical degree from University Of Texas At Austin Dell Medical School in 2010 and is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. She is Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Interventional Cardiology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Clark is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Kari Clark is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kari Clark is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive cardiovascular care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach, addressing the unique needs of each individual and working to maximize their comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kari Clark can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kari Clark provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Sinus Bradycardia: A slow heartbeat (sinus bradycardia) might not cause any noticeable symptoms, but if it does, treatment options like medication or a pacemaker can significantly improve your comfort and well-being.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the buildup of cholesterol and other substances in artery walls, decreasing blood flow. With proper medical attention, including diet and exercise, you can control this condition and improve your quality of life.
- Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: Secondary renovascular hypertension is high blood pressure resulting from reduced blood flow to your kidneys. Addressing the underlying problem through medical care can significantly lower your blood pressure and reduce your chances of stroke or heart attack, enhancing your overall health.
- Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: Chronic congestive heart failure signifies that your heart is having trouble pumping blood throughout your body, possibly causing swelling and breathlessness, but through a combination of medication, diet, and exercise, you can feel stronger and more comfortable.
- Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: If you have rheumatic mitral stenosis, it means a valve in your heart isn't opening properly, restricting blood flow, but thankfully, treatments like medication or surgery can help improve symptoms and energy levels.
- Hypertensive Heart with Failure: Living with high blood pressure that has caused heart failure can be challenging, but with medical care, including medications and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage your symptoms, preserve your energy, and feel better overall.
- Chronic Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Living with CVET, a persistent blood clot in a vein, can be challenging due to swelling and pain; but ongoing medical care including medication and lifestyle changes can significantly lessen symptoms and improve your daily life.
- Unstable Angina: Unstable angina is a warning sign that your heart's blood supply is severely compromised; seeking swift medical care can help prevent more serious heart problems and allow you to continue enjoying your life.
- Second Degree Heart Block: In second-degree heart block, the electrical signals controlling your heartbeat are delayed or blocked, leading to irregular heartbeats; treatment, such as a pacemaker, might be needed to prevent dizziness or fainting and ensure a better quality of life.
- Angina: Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart doesn't get enough blood, often relieved by rest or medication, helping you stay active and enjoy life.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a type of rapid heartbeat originating from the upper chambers of your heart, often causing palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, but it can usually be managed effectively with medication or procedures to improve your comfort and daily life.
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): If you have a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a persistent hole in your heart from birth, your doctor can discuss your individual risk, how it affects your quality of life, and if and how it should be managed to ensure your well-being.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Kari Clark offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Thrombolysis: To aid in managing heart attack symptoms, your doctor might use thrombolysis, a treatment to dissolve the blood clot causing the blockage and restoring blood flow.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): For proactive heart disease management, an EKG allows your physician to monitor your heart's electrical activity, offering insights into your heart's condition and preventing serious complications.
- Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): To create a personalized plan for managing your heart health, your doctor might recommend cardiac catheterization to assess the condition of your coronary arteries and determine the best treatment strategy.
- Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: As part of a comprehensive care plan, this advanced technique helps your doctor accurately assess the severity of your heart condition, enabling them to tailor the most effective treatment strategy for you.
- Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: To ensure your long-term well-being, your doctor might use vascular duplex ultrasonography and plethysmography to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment for blood vessel disease, making adjustments as needed.
- Cardioversion: For seniors experiencing a rapid or irregular heartbeat, cardioversion can help restore a safe and steady rhythm, supporting a better quality of life.
- Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: By showing how efficiently your heart muscle receives blood, myocardial perfusion imaging helps your doctor manage your heart condition and determine the best course of action for maintaining your heart health.
- Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: This procedure involves inserting a thin wire into the heart's left ventricle to improve heart rhythm and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, enhancing quality of life.
- Impella Device: The Impella device is a small pump that helps support a weakened heart during complex procedures, improving blood flow and reducing the burden on the heart.
- Mitral Valve Repair: Mitral valve repair is a vital part of a comprehensive cardiac care plan designed to manage heart valve disease and improve long-term cardiovascular health.
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): If you're experiencing heart problems, PCI might be part of a comprehensive care plan to improve your circulation, manage your symptoms, and prevent future heart events.
- Peripheral Artery Catheterization: To help manage your peripheral artery disease (PAD), your doctor may use peripheral artery catheterization to visualize your arteries and identify areas needing treatment, ultimately improving your blood flow and quality of life.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Cardiology in Florida.
Dr. Kari Clark is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After a consultation with a cardiologist, a senior couple felt more secure in their home environment, as the treatment for their sinus bradycardia significantly reduced the rapid heart rate fluctuations that had previously caused anxiety.
- Following a personalized treatment plan that included dietary changes and regular exercise, a senior couple felt significantly less winded while climbing the stairs to their backyard deck, enabling them to enjoy their garden again.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
- American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (Interventional Cardiology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Cardiovascular care with Dr. Kari Clark:
- What is a Cardiologist, and why might a senior need to see one?
- Dr. Kari Clark and her team are cardiologists, specializing in the heart and blood vessels. Seeing a cardiologist is important for seniors with existing heart conditions, new symptoms, or for managing risk factors to maintain independence and a good quality of life. We partner with you to help manage your heart health as you age.
- What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Kari Clark?
- Your first visit with Dr. Clark will be a comprehensive and unhurried conversation about your heart health. We'll review your medical history and medications, conduct a physical exam, and perform an EKG. This is the first step in creating a personalized care plan that respects your goals.
- What are the most important heart health tips for seniors?
- Dr. Clark's practice emphasizes heart health in seniors through regular check-ups, understanding and taking medications as prescribed, a heart-healthy diet, and recognizing warning signs like chest pain or shortness of breath. Partnering with your doctor helps maintain a healthy heart as you age.
- What is a cardiac stress test, and is it safe for seniors?
- A cardiac stress test shows how your heart responds to activity. It's done safely on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. A supervised stress test helps find potential blockages that could cause problems.
- What is a pacemaker for?
- A pacemaker is a small device that helps the heart beat at a steady, regular rhythm. It can reduce symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, allowing for a more active and comfortable lifestyle.
- What is a heart stent?
- A heart stent is a tiny mesh tube that acts like a scaffold to hold open a narrowed artery in the heart. It's placed during a minimally invasive procedure to restore blood flow and relieve chest pain.
- What is 'structural heart disease'?
- Structural heart disease is a problem with the heart's walls, chambers, or valves, sometimes including conditions like aortic stenosis. Fortunately, many minimally invasive treatment options, like TAVR, are available for seniors.
- What is the difference between 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol?
- Good" (HDL) cholesterol is like a helpful cleaner, carrying "lousy" (LDL) cholesterol away from the arteries. Dr. Kari Clark helps manage both types to keep your heart and circulation healthy. LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries, while HDL helps clear them.
1027 SE Ocean Blvd
Stuart FL 34996
Phone: (772) 781-0222
Dr. Kari Clark, DO 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): 1639535784
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Cardiology like Dr. Kari Clark are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.