Jacksonville’s leader in heart care

Your heart care is important. To deliver personalized care, your cardiologist at Ascension St. Vincent’s starts by listening to understand you, your health history and your goals. We take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. Remember to tell your doctor how you are feeling at each visit. By getting to know you, we deliver heart care that’s right for you.

Cardiovascular specialists diagnose and treat heart diseases, including:

• Atherosclerosis
• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Congenital heart disease
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Heart attack
• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
• Heart valve disease
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides
• Pericardial disease

From screenings and managing chronic heart conditions, to more advanced care and heart and vascular surgery, we’re here for you. With cardiologists and surgeons trained in the latest heart care testing, treatment and procedures, and as part of a national network, you have access to advanced heart care close to home. And ask about a virtual (online) visit for your first consultation and as part of your ongoing care.

Understanding your heart health

Knowing if you’re at risk for heart disease could help save your life. And a simple heart screening can help you and your doctor better understand your heart health. Talk to a cardiologist to see if a heart screening is right for you.

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*A heart scan is not for everyone. It is not recommended for routine screening of people who do not have symptoms of heart disease and have a low risk of heart attacks. Heart disease risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, family history of heart disease.

Advanced heart care, close to home

As your heart care needs change, we’re ready with the care that’s right for you, from routine care to advanced heart care. Your doctors, specialists and care team at Ascension St. Vincent’s collaborate, working together for you and with you. Your doctor understands your healthcare needs and goals. And all your caregivers are communicating as a team.

If your doctor recommends surgery as part of your care plan, we’re here for you. Heart surgeons specialize in minimally invasive heart surgery. Our advanced heart care and surgery offerings include TAVR, MitraClip™, WATCHMAN™, cardioversion and heart ablation using the Convergent procedure. Using small incisions, minimally invasive surgery helps shorten your recovery time and lower your risk of infection. Ascension St. Vincent's has performed over 500 WATCHMAN™ procedures and over 1,000 TAVR procedures. Together, your team of doctors delivers advanced care to help improve your heart function.

Minimally-invasive heart valve care

Ascension St. Vincent's heart care teams specialize in repairing or replacing damaged heart valves. When your aortic heart valve fails to open and close properly, it’s called aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure designed for patients who can't have open-heart surgery because it's too risky. During a TAVR, the heart team makes a small incision and implants a new heart valve. TAVR helps your blood flow in the right direction through your heart and body.

You can trust your heart valve care to our specialists. Ascension St. Vincent's was the first health system in Northeast Florida to offer TAVR. And Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside is the only facility in Jacksonville to be certified by the American College of Cardiology for transcatheter valve care, meaning our highly trained caregivers are experienced in providing the specialized care you need.

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside has become the first hospital in Jacksonville to receive the Transcatheter Valve Certification from the American College of Cardiology. The distinction recognizes the hospital’s demonstrated commitment to treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures.

Treatment options for heart failure

Heart failure can keep you from enjoying the things you love, and if left untreated, can lead to heart attack or stroke. Difficulty breathing, fatigue, inability to perform activities of daily living, and swelling in your legs and abdomen are all signs of heart disease. At Ascension St. Vincent's, we have personalized treatment options for advanced heart failure including non-surgical percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and heart surgery. If you have severe heart failure or are considered high-risk, we're here for you. We offer protected PCI using an Impella® heart pump. This heart pump ensures blood flow is uninterrupted to your brain and organs during heart surgery. Ask your doctor about what treatment option is right for you.

Understanding your arrhythmia

During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers beat rapidly, which can feel like a flutter. An irregular heartbeat affects how your body receives oxygen-rich blood. AFib is a progressive disease and the leading cause of stroke. We offer minimally-invasive treatment options for AFib. Talk to your doctor about what treatment option is right for you.

Your heart is worth a second opinion

When you’re facing a serious heart health concern, there’s a lot to think about. Maybe you have a new diagnosis or are trying to make a decision on a treatment plan. Getting a second opinion may help give you peace of mind. To get started, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. Choose one of our experienced cardiovascular specialists, and we can request your medical records on your behalf. Then, together we will review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options for a personalized heart care plan. 

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Frequently asked questions about heart care