Theodore Ritzer, MD, PhD, FACC, Cardiologist

Dr. Ritzer is board- certified in both cardiovascular and internal medicine. He received his medical degree from the University de Ciuad Juarez, Juarez, Mexico. Dr. Ritzer completed his residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, CT and a fellowship at the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT. Dr. Ritzer is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Ritzer holds a PhD in physiology and has been practicing medicine in Clarksville since 1995.

Scope of Practice
Dr. Ritzer performs procedures such as cardiac catheterization, transesophageal echocardiogram and stress testing. In his office, he sees patients for general cardiology visits, specialty consultations and cardiac surgical clearance.

Procedures
For complete diagnosis and possible intervention, cardiac catheterization is key. Using a catheter to inject dye into the coronary arteries, the cardiologist takes X-ray “movies” that show if arteries are diseased or narrowing. Cardiac caths help doctors pinpoint the location of clogged arteries and determine the best way to treat them. Click here to learn more about cardiac catheterization.

A transesophageal echocardiogram, or TEE, is an ultrasound of the heart that is done from inside the esophagus (the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach). The esophagus lies just behind the heart, so the TEE provides clear images of the heart. The TEE is performed when doctors want to examine hard-to-see structures of the heart.

Stress imaging of the heart helps your doctor detect the amount of blood flow to the heart muscle. When increased demand or stress on the heart occurs in the presence of disease, your heart may not be able to receive the blood it needs. This may cause chest pain and shortness of breath. During a stress test EKG pads will be attached to your chest in order to monitor your heart during the exam. An intravenous access (IV) also will be started for the radio isotope injection during the stress test. Depending on the type of exam you have, you will either exercise on a treadmill or have a prescribed medication given to you intravenously.

For more information, call his office at 931-502-3750.