Dr. Charles Bruce, MD

Dr. Charles Bruce, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Bruce understands that 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. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 984-5928 to schedule.

Dr. Charles Bruce, MD is a cardiologist in Jacksonville, FL, affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Bruce earned his medical degree from the University of Cape Town, Institute of Maritime Medicine, and completed an internship at Groote Schuur Hospital, gaining foundational clinical experience. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Cardiology at Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, and Mayo Clinic Rochester, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, with a focus on proactive health and risk reduction. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training at Mayo Clinic Rochester, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and commits to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Bruce provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Charles Bruce 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. Charles Bruce 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. Charles Bruce 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:

• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Protecting your heart from rheumatic aortic valve disease begins with preventing rheumatic fever through timely treatment of streptococcal infections, thereby reducing the risk of long-term heart complications.
• Arrhythmias: An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that, if detected early and managed properly, can help prevent serious heart problems like stroke or heart failure.
• Benign Heart Tumors: Understanding the potential for benign heart tumors and seeking regular cardiovascular checkups plays a vital role in their early detection and prevention of any future cardiovascular complications.
• Cardiomegaly: Preventing heart disease often involves monitoring for cardiomegaly, as an enlarged heart can indicate increased cardiovascular risk and the need for lifestyle changes or medical intervention.
• Atherosclerosis: By actively preventing or slowing the progression of atherosclerosis through healthy habits and medication, you can significantly reduce your risk of future heart problems.
• Tetralogy of Fallot: Early detection of Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart condition, is crucial for timely intervention, minimizing long-term health risks.
• Lipid Disorders: Managing lipid disorders effectively lowers your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications later in life.
• Coronary Artery Aneurysm: Preventing a coronary artery aneurysm from growing or rupturing involves proactive management of conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol to protect your heart's arteries.
• Complex Single Ventricle Transposition of the Great Arteries: Complex Single Ventricle Transposition of the Great Arteries, a birth defect affecting the heart's structure, emphasizes the importance of preventative care by ensuring early diagnosis leads to better long-term health management.
• Double Outlet Right Ventricle: Living with Double Outlet Right Ventricle necessitates proactive cardiovascular health management to reduce risks of heart failure, arrhythmias, and other life-threatening events.
• Biventricular Heart Failure: Managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes is essential to prevent biventricular heart failure, emphasizing the significance of consistent preventive care to safeguard your heart health.
• Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, making early detection and management crucial for preventing serious health problems.

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. Charles Bruce offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential problems early and prevent serious heart issues like heart attacks or strokes.
• Cardiac Electrophysiology: Cardiac electrophysiology studies your heart's electrical activity to detect irregularities that could lead to life-threatening heart rhythm problems, helping prevent strokes and sudden cardiac arrest.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: An automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a proactive step to protect your heart by detecting and correcting dangerously irregular heartbeats that could cause sudden cardiac arrest.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiovascular stress test; it checks how well your heart functions during physical activity to identify hidden risks of heart disease or stroke.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a life-saving procedure to treat dangerous irregular heartbeats that could lead to heart failure, stroke, or even sudden death.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiac MRI – it's a non-invasive test that can identify potential heart issues before they become major problems, helping prevent strokes and heart attacks.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: Taking charge of your heart health starts with a cardiac catheterization with robotic assist, a sophisticated procedure that helps doctors pinpoint blockages in your arteries, minimizing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiac Imaging: Take a proactive step towards better heart health with cardiac imaging. This non-invasive procedure provides clear images of your heart, allowing doctors to identify and address potential problems before they become major health concerns.
• 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.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): As a proactive step in managing your heart health, a cardiac catheterization provides detailed images of your heart's blood vessels, helping detect and treat issues that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: A vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography is a painless test that uses sound waves to check the health of your blood vessels, helping detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications like heart disease or stroke.
• Tilt_Testing: As a preventative measure, tilt table testing can assess your risk of syncope (fainting), which could be linked to underlying heart problems.

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. Charles Bruce 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 proactively managing strep infections and following a personalized health plan, a family felt empowered to significantly reduce their risk of rheumatic aortic valve disease, enjoying peace of mind about their heart health.
• By diligently following a proactive heart health plan, a patient experienced a significant reduction in the risk of serious heart problems, gaining valuable peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Charles Bruce:

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. Charles Bruce?

Your first visit with Dr. Bruce will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, obtain an EKG, and discuss your 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 is achievable. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key to preventing a heart attack. By proactively adopting these lifestyle choices, you're actively shaping your own heart health destiny.

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), and is it dangerous?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular and often rapid heartbeat. While the irregular rhythm itself is not usually life-threatening, it significantly increases the risk of stroke. Dr. Charles Bruce is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test is a non-invasive way to see how your heart performs during physical activity. It involves walking on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. This test is a key tool to detect potential blockages in your coronary arteries.

What is a stent, and how is it placed?

A stent is a tiny, wire-mesh tube that acts as a scaffold to prop open a blocked artery. It's placed during a minimally invasive procedure called an angioplasty, where a catheter is guided through a blood vessel to the heart.

What is the difference between 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol?

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is like a helpful cleaner, removing "bad" (LDL) cholesterol from your body. "Bad" cholesterol, or LDL, is the lousy kind that builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially causing blockages. Dr. Bruce helps manage both to prevent heart disease.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; Dr. Bruce is an expert at determining the cause, often using an echocardiogram to see if the murmur is related to a heart valve problem that needs monitoring or treatment.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 984-5928

Dr. Charles Bruce, 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): 1811975980

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. Charles Bruce 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.