Dr. Lucia Blanchard, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Cardiovascular care for older adults at Broward Health Physician Group in Coral Springs, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. Her practice is specifically focused on the needs of seniors, 65 years and older, recognizing the unique cardiovascular challenges that can arise in this population. 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. Lucia Blanchard, MD is a cardiologist in Coral Springs, FL, affiliated with Broward Health Coral Springs. With extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions and Heart Conditions, she is committed to creating a supportive environment for her patients. 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 Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Blanchard is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments. She is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Please call (954) 724-3470 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Lucia Blanchard provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Lucia Blanchard is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Lucia Blanchard is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering 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 older adults while prioritizing their overall well-being and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Lucia Blanchard can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Lucia Blanchard 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:
- 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.
- Sick Sinus Syndrome: If you have sick sinus syndrome, your heart may beat too slowly or erratically; fortunately, treatment options such as medication or a pacemaker can help stabilize your heartbeat and reduce symptoms, enhancing your independence and quality of life.
- Atrial Fibrillation: If you have atrial fibrillation, your heart's upper chambers beat erratically, which can cause shortness of breath and weakness, however, with regular check-ups and medication, you can often live a comfortable and active life.
- Lipid Disorders: High cholesterol and other lipid problems can be controlled with medication and lifestyle adjustments, allowing you to enjoy your life more fully and stay independent for longer.
- Heart Attack (STEMI): A heart attack, specifically a STEMI, happens when a major artery supplying the heart is completely blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle; prompt medical attention with treatments like angioplasty can restore blood flow and help prevent further heart damage, improving your overall health.
- First Degree Heart Block: First-degree heart block is a mild heart rhythm disorder where the electrical signals that control your heartbeat travel a bit slower than normal, but your heart still beats regularly.
- Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive heart disease with chronic kidney disease means your high blood pressure is causing problems for both your heart and kidneys. With the right care plan, focusing on healthy habits and medications, you can help to prevent further damage and keep your health stable.
- Hypertensive Heart with Failure: Heart failure in the context of high blood pressure means your heart is working harder than it should, potentially limiting your stamina; treatment focuses on managing blood pressure to reduce strain on the heart, improving your quality of life.
- Acute Coronary Syndrome: ACS is a serious heart problem where a blockage in the heart's arteries reduces blood flow, leading to chest pain or pressure; quick treatment with medication or procedures can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and improve your quality of life.
- Tricuspid Valve Disease: The tricuspid valve in your heart can sometimes malfunction, making it harder for your heart to pump blood efficiently; however, with appropriate medical care, such as lifestyle changes or procedures, you can maintain your independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Tetralogy of Fallot: Individuals with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex heart condition existing from birth, can find relief and improved quality of life through surgical interventions and/or medical management to ensure better heart function and maintain independence.
- Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Pulmonary hypertension and other chronic lung-related heart conditions make it harder for the heart to work, but with proper care and medication, you can maintain your energy levels and independence.
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. Lucia Blanchard offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Understanding the structure of your heart is crucial for managing heart conditions. This evaluation gives your doctor vital information to tailor your treatment strategy for optimal health.
- Coronary Angiogram: To understand the severity of your heart disease, your doctor might recommend a coronary angiogram, a test that provides detailed images of your heart's arteries and helps determine the need for procedures like angioplasty or stents.
- Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging helps your doctor precisely diagnose the cause of your heart symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, leading to a more effective treatment strategy tailored to your needs.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that uses small sensors to record your heart's electrical activity, helping doctors identify potential heart rhythm problems and make informed decisions about your care.
- Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test helps your doctor assess how well your heart works during exercise by using medication to simulate physical exertion and special imaging.
- Tilt_Testing: Tilt table testing helps doctors diagnose fainting spells (syncope) by safely observing your heart rate and blood pressure while changing positions.
- Nuclear Stress Testing: This test uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of your heart, helping your doctor diagnose potential blockages in your arteries.
- Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: These tests use sound waves to create images of your blood vessels, helping your doctor understand the cause of leg pain, swelling, or other circulatory problems and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- 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.
- Treadmill Stress Test: By tracking your heart rate and rhythm during exercise, a treadmill stress test provides valuable information to create a comprehensive heart health management strategy.
- Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Cardiac catheterization, often involving angiography, can help determine the severity of heart disease, guiding your doctor in deciding if you need medication, angioplasty, or other treatments.
- Cardiovascular Stress Test: A stress test can help diagnose underlying heart conditions, allowing your doctor to recommend the most effective treatment and preventive strategies.
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. Lucia Blanchard 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:
- With careful management of their chronic congestive heart failure, the patient felt less shortness of breath and more confident navigating their daily life, reconnecting with family and friends.
- After struggling with unpredictable heartbeats, a senior felt a renewed sense of security in their home, able to confidently participate in daily activities once again. The patient's family was relieved that their loved one was feeling better and more independent.
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
View on Map
- 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 Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Cardiovascular care with Dr. Lucia Blanchard:
- What is a Cardiologist, and why might a senior need to see one?
- Dr. Blanchard's cardiology practice specializes in heart and blood vessel care. A cardiologist partners with seniors to manage heart health throughout later life, addressing existing conditions, new symptoms, or risk factors to maintain independence and quality of life.
- What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Lucia Blanchard?
- Your first visit with Dr. Blanchard will be a comprehensive and unhurried conversation about your heart health. We will review your medical history and medications, perform a physical exam, and obtain 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. Blanchard's practice emphasizes heart-healthy habits like regular, gentle exercise, taking medications as prescribed, and eating a low-sodium diet. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke, and communicating with your doctor about any concerns, is also critical. Partnering with Dr. Blanchard helps you take control of your heart health.
- How can cardiac rehabilitation help me after a heart procedure?
- Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program designed to help you safely regain strength and confidence after a heart procedure. It provides education on diet, exercise, and stress management to help you build a healthier future and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
- What is a heart stent?
- A heart stent is a tiny mesh tube that acts like a scaffold to hold open a narrowed artery. It's placed during a minimally invasive procedure to restore blood flow and relieve chest pain.
- What is the difference between 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol?
- Good" (HDL) cholesterol is the "helpful" kind that helps clean arteries, while "bad" (LDL) cholesterol is the "lousy" kind that can build up and cause problems. Dr. Blanchard helps manage both types of cholesterol to keep your heart and circulation healthy.
- What is Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.)?
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where the arteries in the legs narrow, reducing blood flow. It's linked to overall heart health and is a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Common symptoms include leg pain when walking, which often improves with rest.
- What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common irregular heartbeat that often occurs in older adults. It's highly manageable, and our primary goal is to prevent stroke through blood thinners and control symptoms with other medications.
Broward Health Physician Group
3100 Coral Hills Dr Ste 302
Coral Springs FL 33065
Phone: (954) 724-3470
Dr. Lucia Blanchard, 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): 1134673312
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. Lucia Blanchard 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.