Listen to Your Heart

It's always interesting to learn why a physician chooses their specialty. For Physician's Regional's Dr. Matei Popa-Radu, the decision to pursue cardiology was highly personal.

"I have close family members who have needed cardiac care for many years," he explained. "When I was younger, I had the opportunity to go with some of them to their appointments and became interested in cardiology even before starting medical training. I admired how these cardiologists always took the time to explain the condition and treatment plans in detail. My patients tell me that's the type of physician I am today."

I am pleased to share that Dr. Popa-Radu has also joined Physicians Regional's highly skilled team of cardiologists and cardiac-disease specialists, including Vinh Luu, M.D., Sarah deLeon Mansson, D.O., Richard Prewitt, M.D., and Dr. George Yiachos, M.D.

The irony is that, as a young man, Dr. Popa-Radu listened to his heart and made it his goal to help others in need of thoughtful, skilled cardiac care.

The rest of us must listen to our hearts, literally and figuratively. Our bodies have a way of telling us that something is wrong, and it's our job to pay attention to these messages and promptly seek appropriate care.

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the cardiovascular system's study, diagnosis, and care. Since there are so many aspects of your heart's function, your cardiologist has to consider many variables when identifying what may be wrong with your heart. Some of these variables include your heart, arteries, or blood vessels.

In addition to a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) from NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Davie, Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Popa-Radu is Board Certified in Cardiology. His advanced training includes a Cardiovascular Fellowship and an Internal Medicine Residency at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida.

Before relocating to Southwest Florida, he was in private practice in Riverside, California. "My wife and I lived near Ft. Lauderdale for many years. When we would visit Naples, we loved the area," he recalls. "When we decided to move back to Florida, we thought Naples would be a great area to live and raise our young family."

Dr. Popa-Radu specializes in cardiovascular disease, echocardiology/stress echocardiology, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease. He treats all types of vascular disease, atrial fibrillation/ flutter, arrhythmias/ heart block, and peripheral artery disease. He offers procedures in general cardiology, ECHO, TEE, Cardioversion, and Stress testing (exercise, pharmacologic, nuclear medicine).

"I think that most patients like my bedside manner because I always take the time to explain their condition and the management plan in as much detail as necessary," Dr. Popa-Radu explains. "I also try to be on time as much as possible and lighten the mood in conversation."

Physicians Regional Healthcare System's expanded Heart Center includes advanced surgical equipment and technologies, allowing a range of interventional cardiology procedures, including minimally invasive structural heart procedures. We are thrilled to offer the extraordinary capabilities of this 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art cardiac center to the ever-growing Southwest Florida Community.

In his free time, Dr. Popa-Radu enjoys spending time with his family—including his three young boys. "We love spending time at the beach and doing outdoor activities. I love teaching my young kids to play soccer and basketball," he says. "As long as we're moving, we're happy."

Words to live by.

Dr. Popa-Radu's is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment with Dr. Matei Popa-Radu, please call 239-348-4221 or visit PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com to schedule an appointment online.

SIDEBAR:

You should know…

The heart is one of the most important muscles in the body, yet more than 84 million Americans suffer from a form of cardiovascular disease. You could be one of them if you experience any of the following symptoms: Signs of a possible heart condition include:

• Severe pressure, squeezing, pain or discomfort in the chest.

• Pain or discomfort that spreads into the shoulders, neck, upper back or jaw.

• Chest pain that becomes more intense.

• Chest pain that isn't relieved by rest.

• Hoarseness caused by pressure on the vocal cords.

• Difficulty swallowing.

• Heart palpitations.

• Low blood pressure.

• High blood pressure.

• Chest pain combined with the following:

• Excessive and unexplained sweating or cool/clammy skin.

• Sudden and extreme paleness.

• Shortness of breath.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Dizziness or fainting.

• Unexplained weakness or fatigue.

• Rapid or irregular pulse.

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