Dr. Rupa Bala, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive cardiovascular care for older adults at her Inverness, FL clinic. She is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to the specific needs of her patient population, those aged 65 and older. 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. Bala is currently welcoming new patients, and they can schedule an appointment by calling (352) 726-8353.
Dr. Rupa Bala, MD is a cardiologist in Inverness, FL, with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Her deep understanding of cardiovascular health stems from extensive training and experience. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1998, followed by residency training in Cardiology at University of Chicago Hospitals and University of Pennsylvania Health System. This comprehensive training, coupled with her extensive experience, provides a strong foundation for her specialized care of older adults. Dr. Bala is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is affiliated with HCA Florida Citrus Hospital and UF Health Leesburg Hospital, and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment for patients and their families. She offers consultations in French.
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in cardiovascular care, Dr. Bala brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her commitment to personalized care, coupled with her expertise in the specific needs of the older adult population, makes her a valuable partner in their health journey. She is deeply committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Bala is accepting new patients and encourages you to contact her office at (352) 726-8353 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rupa Bala is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Bala 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 specialists to ensure holistic care, addressing the complex heart conditions often encountered in older adults with empathy and expertise. This collaborative approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, ultimately working towards maximizing their comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rupa Bala can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Connecticare
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HIP Prime HMO
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- MVP Health Care
- MVP Health Care HMO
- MVP Health Plan EPO
- MagnaCare
- MagnaCare PPO
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO
- Passage HMO
- Seamless HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rupa Bala 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:
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart condition where an extra electrical pathway causes a rapid heartbeat, often managed with medication or procedures to improve heart rhythm and reduce symptoms like palpitations or dizziness.
- 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.
- Acute Congestive Heart Failure: Experiencing shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, and tiredness could be signs of acute congestive heart failure, a condition where your heart isn't strong enough to circulate blood efficiently; fortunately, this is often manageable with medical care, leading to a better quality of life.
- Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is a rapid heartbeat originating from the upper chambers of your heart, sometimes causing fatigue or dizziness, but with treatment like medication or a simple procedure, many individuals regain a comfortable heart rhythm and maintain a high quality of life.
- Systolic Heart Failure: In systolic heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is weakened, causing symptoms like tiredness and swelling, however, treatments such as medications and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your comfort and overall well-being.
- Subacute Endocarditis: If you have subacute endocarditis, a heart infection that develops slowly, appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, can help you stay active and independent.
- Sinus Bradycardia: Experiencing fatigue or dizziness? A condition called sinus bradycardia, a slow heart rate, may be the cause, and treatment can alleviate these symptoms and support your overall health.
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A patent foramen ovale (PFO), a small hole in the heart from birth, is usually harmless. However, in some cases, it may increase the risk of stroke and require monitoring or treatment to protect your health and independence.
- Aneurysm of Heart: Having a weakened area in a heart blood vessel, known as a heart aneurysm, might not affect you immediately, but managing it with your doctor helps you stay active and independent.
- Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Rheumatic mitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve in your heart, often caused by a past rheumatic fever infection, that can make it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively.
- Aortic Stenosis: Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in your heart, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently, but with proper management and potentially treatment, you can maintain a good quality of life.
- Aortic Ectasia: Aortic ectasia is a widening of the aorta, the body's largest artery, which can be monitored and managed to prevent complications and maintain your overall health.
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. Rupa Bala offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: For seniors experiencing troubling heart rhythm issues, ablation offers a potential solution to restore a normal heartbeat and enhance quality of life.
- Tilt Table Testing: This test can help determine if a drop in blood pressure upon standing is causing your lightheadedness or falls, improving your safety.
- 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.
- HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Use HeartAware's online risk screening to proactively monitor and manage your heart health; it's a helpful tool to integrate into your regular health check-ups.
- Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This test helps your doctor assess if your heart is getting enough blood, which is crucial for managing conditions like angina or heart failure and developing a personalized treatment plan.
- Cardiac Imaging: To monitor the effectiveness of your heart treatment, your doctor may use cardiac imaging to track any changes in your hearts condition and make adjustments to your care plan, helping you stay healthy.
- Treadmill Stress Test: A treadmill stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's ability to handle physical exertion, aiding in the early detection of potential heart problems.
- Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: These evaluations provide a comprehensive assessment of your heart's health, helping your doctor create a personalized care plan to address any structural problems and prevent future complications.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): This simple test can identify peripheral artery disease (PAD) early, allowing for timely management and preventing serious complications like amputation.
- Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): As part of your comprehensive heart health assessment, cardiac catheterization can provide crucial information about the health of your heart's blood vessels, enabling your doctor to develop the most effective care plan for you.
- Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: For seniors experiencing symptoms like dizziness or fatigue due to irregular heartbeats, a pacemaker can help maintain a steady rhythm and improve quality of life.
- Coronary Angiogram: If you're experiencing chest pain or other heart-related symptoms, a coronary angiogram can help your cardiologist pinpoint the location and severity of any blockages in your coronary arteries, leading to targeted treatment.
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. Rupa Bala 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 experiencing frequent palpitations, a senior felt a significant improvement in their quality of life through medication and regular check-ups, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of ballroom dancing.
- Following a comprehensive treatment plan for Acute Coronary Syndrome, a senior couple felt a renewed sense of security and peace of mind, able to enjoy their daily walks and familiar routines without the persistent chest discomfort.
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 Board of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Disease)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Cardiovascular care with Dr. Rupa Bala:
- What is a Cardiologist, and why might a senior need to see one?
- Dr. Bala is a cardiologist, a specialist in the heart and blood vessels. We partner with seniors to manage heart health throughout later life, especially for those with existing heart conditions, new symptoms, or those looking to proactively manage risk factors to maintain independence and quality of life.
- What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Rupa Bala?
- Your first visit with Dr. Bala will be a comprehensive conversation about your heart health, including a review of your medical history and medications. A physical exam and EKG will also be performed. 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. Bala's practice emphasizes heart health in seniors through regular exercise, like walking; taking medications as prescribed; a heart-healthy diet; and recognizing warning signs of heart problems. Partnering with your doctor helps you manage your heart health effectively.
- My heart valve is leaking. Does that require surgery?
- Not all leaking heart valves require surgery. Dr. Bala will closely monitor your condition, often with echocardiograms. Many people live well with mild or moderate valve issues, and treatment is planned only if the problem worsens.
- 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. Bala will work with you to use medications and lifestyle changes to improve symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling, so you can live more comfortably and actively.
- How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in older adults?
- Dr. Bala and her team focus 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, tailoring treatment to each individual's specific health needs.
- What is a Holter monitor?
- A Holter monitor is a small, portable EKG that you wear for a day or two. It helps catch infrequent heart rhythm problems that might not show up during a regular office visit, which can help diagnose the cause of palpitations or dizziness.
- 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 typically done on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. The test is safe and supervised, helping identify potential blockages that could cause problems.
308 W Highland Blvd
Inverness FL 34452
Phone: (352) 726-8353
Dr. Rupa Bala, 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): 1417983123
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. Rupa Bala 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.