Dr. Rene Kunhardt, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at Interventional Cardiac Consultants in Trinity, FL. He is deeply committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive cardiovascular care for older adults, 65 years and older, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a valued partner in senior health, Dr. Kunhardt understands the unique needs of 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. He specializes in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine and is on staff at several local hospitals. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in cardiovascular care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Kunhardt earned his medical degree from Pedro H Urena National University in 1977, completing an internship at Padre Fantini Hospital. He then undertook residency training in Cardiology at Lankenau Hospital, followed by fellowship training in the same institution, deepening his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of the senior population. He is committed to providing each patient with concise information and treatment options with understanding and compassion. Dr. Rene Kunhardt offers consultations in Spanish. New patients are welcome; please call (407) 487-4103 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rene Kunhardt is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rene Kunhardt is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive cardiovascular care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He expertly diagnoses and manages complex heart conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic and supportive experience. Dr. Kunhardt prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, creating a coordinated approach that maximizes comfort and well-being for seniors.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rene Kunhardt can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Curative
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Choice Plus
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rene Kunhardt 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:
- Type 2 Heart Block - Mobitz: With Mobitz type 2 heart block, your heart's natural pacemaker doesn't always send signals correctly to the lower chambers, causing irregular heartbeats; yet, with careful monitoring and sometimes medication, you can maintain a full and active life.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, means your heart works harder than it should, but with proper medical care, including regular checkups and prescribed medications, you can protect your heart and maintain your independence.
- Aortic Valve Disease: A problem with the heart's aortic valve can restrict or leak blood, leading to fatigue and dizziness; however, many effective treatments are available to help manage symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a gradual buildup of plaque inside the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart and other organs, which can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication to improve your overall health and help you stay active.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when the arteries supplying your heart with blood become narrowed, reducing blood flow and potentially causing chest pain or shortness of breath, but with proper care and medication, you can manage symptoms and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia: SVT is a fast heart rhythm starting above your heart's lower chambers, sometimes causing symptoms like fluttering in your chest or feeling faint; however, treatments such as medications or procedures are available to help control the rhythm and improve your overall well-being.
- Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: If you have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, your heart's upper chambers beat erratically in short bursts, but with medication or other interventions, we can help control these episodes and reduce your risk of stroke and other complications, improving your overall health.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, it means there's a bulge in a large artery in your abdomen. Treatment options, including monitoring or surgery, aim to prevent a potentially life-threatening rupture, allowing you to enjoy your life more fully.
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation: With mitral valve regurgitation, the heart's mitral valve leaks, allowing blood to flow backwards. Thankfully, various treatments exist, from medication to surgical options, to help manage the condition and support your ability to live a fulfilling life.
- Pericardial Disease: Managing pericardial disease, an issue affecting the sac surrounding your heart, typically involves addressing pain and fluid buildup, which can dramatically improve your quality of life and allow you to remain as active as possible.
- Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive chronic kidney disease means high blood pressure is damaging your kidneys over time, but managing both conditions with medication and lifestyle changes can help you stay healthier and more independent.
- Hypertensive Heart with Failure: When high blood pressure damages the heart, causing heart failure, it affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Careful management of both conditions can help maintain independence and improve 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. Rene Kunhardt offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Treadmill Stress Test: This test measures your heart's response to exercise, helping your cardiologist manage existing heart conditions and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
- Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: This procedure involves placing a small device under the skin to detect irregular heartbeats and deliver therapy (such as shocks) to restore a normal rhythm, thus improving survival rates in high-risk individuals.
- Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: As a key part of your cardiovascular health assessment, vascular duplex ultrasonography and plethysmography help determine the severity of blockages in your arteries and veins, guiding choices for medication or further procedures.
- Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Through detailed assessments, this service helps diagnose conditions like heart valve disease or congenital heart defects, enabling your doctor to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
- Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Using various non-invasive techniques, these tests help your cardiologist detect and diagnose a wide range of heart conditions, ensuring you receive appropriate and effective medical care.
- Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: This test uses medication and imaging to check for narrowed heart arteries, helping your healthcare team develop a plan to manage your heart health effectively.
- Peripheral Artery Catheterization: Peripheral artery catheterization is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool used to assess the condition of your arteries in your limbs, helping doctors plan the right course of treatment to prevent complications associated with PAD.
- Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: For seniors with irregular heartbeats or a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest, this involves placing a lead in the heart's left ventricle to better manage their heart rhythm via a pacemaker or defibrillator.
- Tilt_Testing: For seniors experiencing unexplained falls, a tilt table test can help pinpoint the cause, ensuring safer, more effective management of balance and mobility issues.
- 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.
- Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging is a non-invasive scan that helps your doctor assess how well blood flows to your heart muscle, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
- Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: A pacemaker insertion or replacement helps regulate your heartbeat if it's too slow or irregular, improving your overall health and energy levels.
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. Rene Kunhardt 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 monitoring and medication, a senior couple regained their confidence in enjoying evening walks, a cherished activity, and felt secure in their home environment.
- With regular checkups and medication, a senior couple found renewed energy and confidence in their ability to enjoy their daily walks and social activities, significantly improving their quality of life.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Cardiovascular care with Dr. Rene Kunhardt:
- What is a Cardiologist, and why might a senior need to see one?
- Dr. Kunhardt and her team of cardiologists specialize in the heart and blood vessels. A cardiologist can be a valuable partner in managing heart health as we age, especially for seniors with existing heart conditions, new symptoms, or those wanting to proactively manage risk factors to maintain independence and quality of life.
- What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Rene Kunhardt?
- Your first visit with Dr. Kunhardt will be a comprehensive 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 and preferences.
- What are the most important heart health tips for seniors?
- Dr. Kunhardt and her team encourage seniors to prioritize regular, gentle movement like walking, understand and take medications as prescribed, maintain a healthy diet, and be aware of heart attack or stroke warning signs. By actively participating in these steps, seniors can take an empowered role in their heart health.
- What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common irregular heartbeat that often affects older adults. It's highly manageable, and our primary goal is to prevent stroke through blood thinners and control symptoms with other medications.
- What is a Holter monitor?
- A Holter monitor is a small, portable EKG that you wear for a day or two. It records your heart's electrical activity, helping to catch infrequent heart rhythm problems that might not show up during a short office visit, and can help diagnose the cause of palpitations or dizziness.
- How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in older adults?
- Dr. Kunhardt's practice focuses on safely managing high blood pressure in older adults to protect vital organs and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. A careful approach combines lifestyle recommendations with medication when needed to preserve long-term health and function.
- 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.
- My heart valve is leaking. Does that require surgery?
- Dr. Kunhardt will closely monitor your valve leak with echocardiograms. Many people live full lives with mild or moderate valve issues, and surgery is only considered if the leak worsens. We'll develop a plan together to ensure your heart health.
Interventional Cardiac Consultants
2035 Little Rd
Trinity FL 34655
Phone: (407) 487-4103
Dr. Rene Kunhardt, 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): 1114915824
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. Rene Kunhardt 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.