Heart and valve problems can lead to heart attack or progressive heart failure. That’s why it is important to consider treatment options as early as possible. The heart specialists at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay diagnose and treat heart and valve disease and are trained in the latest heart care testing, treatments and surgery, including minimally invasive procedures.
Every appointment starts with a conversation about your health needs and concerns. Then, your cardiologist will work with you to create a personalized heart care plan that may include surgery. Your cardiologists are part of a national team of doctors who share best practices and research and collaborate on advanced treatment options. And, with cardiology offices across Northwest Florida, you can expect supportive and compassionate heart care, close to home.
The right treatment for heart and valve problems
Heart valve problems occur when the valves do not close completely, allowing blood to flow backward. To prevent serious health problems, your cardiologist may recommend surgery such as:
Whenever possible, your doctor will use minimally invasive surgical techniques. During a minimally invasive procedure, tiny incisions are made. Minimally invasive surgery may shorten your recovery time and lower your risk of infection.
A multispecialty team, dedicated to your heart care
When you choose Ascension Sacred Heart Bay for your heart surgery, you have an experienced team of specialists in structural heart and valve surgery dedicated to your care. Your multispecialty care team brings together the expertise of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac interventionists, and cardiac imaging specialists to diagnose and treat complex heart valve disease. The Heart Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay is the only comprehensive heart and vascular program in the Panama City area. We are the only hospital performing open-heart surgery in the area, and our team leads the tri-county in the number of heart surgeries performed every year.



Minimally invasive heart valve replacement
If you have aortic valve disease, your doctor may recommend replacing your aortic valve. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), a minimally invasive procedure, may be an option if you are considered high risk for open-heart surgery due to age, previous heart surgery, stroke or other chronic conditions. TAVR treats aortic valve stenosis, one of the most common heart valve problems. Aortic valve stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic heart valve, which prevents the valve from opening and closing properly. Symptoms of aortic stenosis include chest pain, fatigue, rapid heartbeat and feeling faint, tightness and shortness of breath with activity.
During the TAVR procedure, your heart valve is replaced so that oxygen-rich blood can flow the right direction through your heart and body. Ask your doctor about a TAVR evaluation to see if valve replacement is right for you.
Structural heart care team at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
Gregory England, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Richard Eubanks, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Amir Haghighat, MD
Interventional Cardiology, Cardiology
Nghia Hoang, DO
Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiology
Saeed Khaja, DO
Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiology
Samir Patel, MD
Interventional Cardiology, Cardiology
Get a second opinion from a heart valve specialist
When you are facing a new diagnosis or deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. At Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, we make it easy for you to get a second opinion. Our specialists and care team can:
- Answer questions
- Connect you to heart and vascular specialists for minimally invasive surgery, including TAVR, MitraClip, WATCHMAN and ablation.
- Discuss options for restoring or correcting your heart’s rhythm
- Review your medical records and healthcare history
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
GET A SECOND OPINION
Heart care that focuses on the whole you
At Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, your care team supports you before, during and after an AFib procedure. Every appointment with your doctor starts with a conversation about new symptoms, concerns or questions. We’ll connect you with cardiac rehab, help you manage your medications and monitor your heart health over time.
Frequently asked questions about heart and valve