Dr. Ann Tong, MD

Dr. Ann Tong, MD is a Cardiology specialist at The Cardiac & Vascular Institute – Gainesville/8th Avenue in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she's committed to partnering with you in preventing heart disease and stroke. Your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke, collaborating with you to create a long-term health plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage cardiovascular risk factors for a lifetime of wellness. She serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 517-2484 to schedule.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Tong brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School Of Medicine in 1993, and completed an internship at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston, MA. Subsequent residency training in Cardiology at Tufts New England Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in Baylor College of Medicine, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, deepened her expertise in cardiovascular care. She is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds additional certifications in Echocardiography (Level 3), Nuclear Medicine (Level 2), and coronary CT (Level 2). Dr. Tong is fluent in Spanish and also offers consultations in Vietnamese. Dr. Tong is a Cardiologist at The Cardiac & Vascular Institute and is committed to comprehensive cardiovascular care, reflecting the Institute's philosophy of treating each patient with compassionate and comprehensive medical care.

The Cardiac & Vascular Institute has provided comprehensive cardiovascular care to the residents of North Central Florida for over 45 years. Dr. Tong, a key member of this esteemed team, is dedicated to proactive health and risk reduction, partnering with patients of all ages to develop personalized strategies for maintaining cardiovascular well-being. She is actively welcoming new patients and encourages proactive steps towards heart health. She can be reached at (352) 517-2484 to schedule an appointment.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ann Tong is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Ann Tong can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Ann Tong provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Biventricular Heart Failure: Early diagnosis of biventricular heart failure is vital as it allows for prompt treatment, potentially preventing further decline in heart function and improving your overall health.
• Heart Valve Disorders: Addressing heart valve issues proactively, through lifestyle modifications and medication if needed, can help prevent debilitating conditions and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Regular health screenings can help detect sinus bradycardia early, allowing for timely management and reducing your risk of experiencing serious cardiovascular complications.
• Type 2 Heart Block - Mobitz: Understanding your risk for Mobitz type 2 heart block, a condition affecting the heart's rhythm, can help you work with your doctor to make lifestyle changes and manage your overall cardiovascular health effectively, preventing future heart problems.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of your arteries, is a serious condition that necessitates proactive lifestyle adjustments and medical supervision to avoid complications like heart attacks.
• Subacute Endocarditis: Managing underlying conditions like heart valve problems or weakened immune systems can significantly reduce your risk of developing subacute endocarditis, a slow-growing infection of the heart's inner lining.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia means you have high levels of fats in your blood, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke; regular checkups and lifestyle changes can help control it.
• Second Degree Heart Block: Second-degree heart block is a type of heart rhythm disorder where the electrical signals that control your heartbeat are partially blocked, making early detection and management crucial to prevent serious complications like heart failure.
• Heart Disease: Protecting your heart starts with understanding heart disease—a range of conditions affecting your heart's ability to function properly—and proactively managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Infective Endocarditis: Preventing complications from infective endocarditis requires diligent management of any underlying heart valve problems and prompt treatment of any infection to reduce the risk of heart damage.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Early diagnosis and control of atrial fibrillation are vital in reducing your chances of experiencing a stroke or other heart-related issues.
• Septal Defect: Because a septal defect can cause a mix of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood, preventing complications requires consistent monitoring and, if needed, surgical intervention.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Ann Tong offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Treadmill Stress Test: Take charge of your cardiovascular health: a treadmill stress test provides valuable insights into your heart's response to stress, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of heart disease.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: As part of your heart health journey, a dobutamine thallium stress test can reveal if your heart is getting enough blood, enabling early detection and management of potential problems.
• Cardioversion: Protecting your heart health starts with cardioversion, a procedure that corrects abnormal heart rhythms, reducing your risk of serious complications.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging is a non-invasive scan that helps doctors assess how well blood flows to your heart muscle, allowing for early detection of potential heart problems and preventing future heart attacks or strokes.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a simple yet powerful tool for preventing serious heart problems; it helps identify potential issues like weakened heart muscles or abnormal blood flow before they worsen.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Protecting your heart is key – a cardiovascular stress test helps pinpoint potential weaknesses in your heart's performance before they lead to major health problems like a heart attack or stroke.
• Stress Echocardiogram: To proactively safeguard your heart health, a stress echocardiogram uses ultrasound to visualize your heart's function under stress, revealing any blockages or weaknesses that might lead to serious cardiac events.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: Taking proactive steps to ensure your pacemaker or defibrillator continues to function optimally helps maintain a healthy heart rhythm and prevents life-threatening complications.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: A cardiac MRI offers a comprehensive view of your heart and chest, providing critical information to detect and monitor cardiovascular diseases early on, thus promoting better management of your risk factors and improving overall heart health.
• Tilt_Testing: To proactively address fainting spells or unexplained lightheadedness, a tilt table test can help determine if a heart condition is the underlying cause.
• Holter Monitoring: Protecting your heart starts with understanding its rhythm. A Holter monitor provides a detailed picture of your heart's activity over an extended period, helping identify potential issues early.
• Echocardiogram Interpretation: An echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound test that creates images of your heart, helping us detect problems early and prevent heart attacks or strokes.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Cardiology in Florida.

Dr. Ann Tong is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By diligently following a personalized plan for heart health, a patient proactively managed their risk factors for biventricular heart failure, ensuring a healthier future. Early detection allowed for timely interventions, leading to peace of mind and a more positive outlook on their overall well-being.
• By consistently following a heart-healthy lifestyle plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing heart valve disorders, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their cardiovascular health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Cardiovascular care with Dr. Ann Tong:

What is a Cardiologist, and when should I see one?

A cardiologist is a medical expert specializing in the heart and blood vessels. You should see a cardiologist if you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, have a family history of heart disease, or have risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol that require expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ann Tong?

Your first visit with Dr. Tong will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, obtain an EKG, and discuss lifestyle and risk factors. This is the first step in creating a personalized heart health plan for you.

What are the most important things I can do to prevent a heart attack?

Taking control of your cardiovascular health involves managing blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, incorporating regular physical activity, and adopting a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is a TAVR procedure?

TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, is a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR is performed through a catheter, leading to a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity. You'll walk on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. It's a key non-invasive tool for detecting potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

What is a pacemaker, and who needs one?

A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted under the skin to help regulate a slow or irregular heartbeat. It's necessary when the heart's natural electrical system isn't working correctly, ensuring the heart beats at a proper, steady rate.

How is Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) related to heart disease?

Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is caused by the same process as coronary artery disease—atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). However, P.A.D. affects the arteries in the legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, indicating a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not only lower your blood pressure numbers, but also to prevent long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This involves foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and when necessary, medications to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

The Cardiac & Vascular Institute - Gainesville/8th Avenue
4645 NW 8th Ave
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 517-2484

Dr. Ann Tong, 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): 1902879323

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Cardiology like Dr. Ann Tong are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your cardiology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.