Dr. Rodrigo Lago, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Cardiovascular care for older adults at his clinic in Apopka, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Lago specifically serves patients 65 years and older, and is committed to understanding the unique health needs of this population. He is currently welcoming new patients; please call (754) 255-6469 to schedule an appointment.
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Lago brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Universidade Gama Filho (Ugf) Faculdade De Medicina in 2002 and completed an internship at 2002. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Cardiology at Metrowest Medical Center (graduated 2007), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of 65 years and older. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Cleveland Clinic Hospital/Lahey Clinic Hospital (graduated 2007), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Lago is a specialist in cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology, and has a strong commitment to effective health care delivery and successful individual patient care. Dr. Lago offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rodrigo Lago is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Lago is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive cardiovascular care with a focus on personalized solutions. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach, addressing complex heart conditions with expertise and understanding. This collaborative effort prioritizes the unique needs and goals of each patient, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rodrigo Lago can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rodrigo Lago 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:
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): Having a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a tiny opening in the heart from birth, may not require treatment, but your doctor can assess if it's affecting your health and determine if any intervention is necessary.
- Atherosclerosis of Aorta: It's a condition where cholesterol and other substances build up in the aorta, causing it to harden and narrow, potentially affecting blood flow to vital organs and impacting your overall health.
- Infective Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves that, if caught early and treated promptly with antibiotics, can prevent serious complications and allow you to stay active and independent.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and too quickly. While this may sound concerning, effective treatments are available to help regulate your heart rhythm and minimize symptoms, promoting independence and well-being.
- Noninfective Endocarditis: While not caused by infection, noninfective endocarditis involves inflammation of the heart valves. Treatment aims to control this inflammation and minimize any impact on your daily activities and overall well-being.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, are common in older adults, and while they can be concerning, many are effectively treated with medication or lifestyle changes to keep you active and independent.
- Tricuspid Valve Disease: A problem with your heart's tricuspid valve can cause various symptoms, but understanding the condition and working with your doctor to explore treatment optionsfrom medication to minimally invasive procedurescan help you manage your symptoms and live a fuller life.
- Rheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Rheumatic tricuspid disease is a condition where the tricuspid valve in your heart, responsible for blood flow, is damaged due to a past rheumatic fever infection, potentially causing shortness of breath and fatigue, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments to improve your comfort and independence.
- Heart Valve Disorders: A heart valve disorder means one or more of the valves controlling blood flow in your heart aren't working as they should, possibly causing chest discomfort or tiredness; modern medicine offers many options, from medication to surgery, to improve your heart health and help you stay active.
- Acute Endocarditis: Dealing with an acute endocarditis infection can be challenging, but with proper antibiotic treatment and medical support, you can manage the infection effectively, minimizing its impact on your daily life and maintaining your well-being.
- Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: A congenital aortic valve problem is a birth defect affecting the heart's main outflow valve, the aortic valve; managing this can often involve regular check-ups and potentially intervention to prevent future complications and maintain independence.
- Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is a treatable condition that can impact heart health. By following your doctor's recommendations for diet and medication, you can lower your risk of heart problems and continue living a full life.
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. Rodrigo Lago offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This heart scan helps doctors evaluate the extent of any blockage in your heart's arteries, allowing for a more precise treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- 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: As part of your comprehensive heart health assessment, cardiac imaging provides crucial visual information about your heart's structure and function, aiding in the early detection and management of potential problems.
- Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: A pharmacologic nuclear stress test offers a less strenuous way to evaluate your heart's function, especially helpful for those who can't exercise vigorously, leading to earlier diagnosis and better management of heart conditions.
- 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: Cardiovascular diagnostic tests help your doctor understand your heart's health and identify any potential problems early on, allowing for timely treatment and management of conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
- Angioplasty With Stent Placement: As part of your comprehensive heart care plan, angioplasty with stent placement can help relieve symptoms like shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
- Mitral Valve Repair: Mitral valve repair is a surgical procedure to fix a leaky or narrowed mitral valve, improving heart function and reducing symptoms like shortness of breath.
- Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): This procedure helps your doctor diagnose heart conditions like coronary artery disease by taking detailed pictures of your heart's arteries to see if there are any blockages affecting blood flow.
- 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.
- Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: As part of a comprehensive heart health plan, ablation can precisely target and eliminate areas of the heart causing abnormal electrical signals, improving heart function.
- Mitral Valve Surgery: For seniors with severe mitral valve disease, surgery offers a chance to improve heart function, relieve debilitating symptoms, and live a fuller 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. Rodrigo Lago 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 careful evaluation and guidance, a patient with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) felt more confident about their heart health and regained their previous energy levels to resume their favorite hobby of walking in the park.
- With careful monitoring and lifestyle adjustments guided by the cardiology team, a senior couple regained their energy for daily walks, enjoying the fresh air and strengthening their bond.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Disease)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Interventional Cardiology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Cardiovascular care with Dr. Rodrigo Lago:
- What is a Cardiologist, and why might a senior need to see one?
- Dr. Lago and his team specialize in heart and blood vessel health. A cardiologist partners with seniors to manage heart conditions, address new symptoms, and help maintain a healthy heart for a longer, more independent life. This care is crucial for seniors with existing heart issues or those experiencing new symptoms like chest pain or swelling.
- What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Rodrigo Lago?
- Your first visit with Dr. Lago 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. Lago's practice emphasizes heart health for seniors by focusing on regular, gentle exercise, such as walking; taking medications as prescribed; maintaining a healthy diet; and recognizing warning signs of heart problems. Working together, you and Dr. Lago can create a plan to help you maintain a healthy heart.
- What is the difference between 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol?
- Good" (HDL) cholesterol is like a helpful cleaner, removing "lousy" (LDL) cholesterol from your arteries. Dr. Lago helps manage both types to keep your heart and circulation healthy.
- 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 does a 'heart failure' diagnosis mean?
- A heart failure diagnosis means your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should. It's a manageable condition, and Dr. Lago will work with you to use medications and lifestyle changes to improve symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling, allowing you to live more comfortably and actively.
- 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. Because PAD often indicates problems with overall heart health, it's a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Common symptoms include leg pain when walking, which may improve with rest.
- 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.
2100 Ocoee Apopka Rd Ste 120
Apopka FL 32703
Phone: (754) 255-6469
Dr. Rodrigo Do Lago, 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): 1821269697
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. Rodrigo Lago 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.