Dr. Christopher Austin, MD

Dr. Christopher Austin, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to the rigorous standards outlined in Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Austin 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. Please call (904) 398-0125 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Christopher Austin, MD is a cardiologist in Jacksonville, FL, with extensive experience in Cardiac Implantable Device Procedures, Heart Conditions, and Cardiac Electrical System Procedures. He is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center Beaches, and is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Austin earned his medical degree from Michigan State University and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Austin provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole in the heart that's present from birth and, while often harmless, can sometimes increase the risk of stroke by allowing blood clots to travel to the brain; early detection and management can significantly reduce this risk.
• Syncope: If you experience syncope, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent falls and injuries, as well as detect potentially life-threatening heart conditions.
• Pericardial Disease: Pericardial disease involves inflammation or infection of the sac surrounding your heart, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Cardiac sarcoidosis, an inflammatory heart condition, underscores the value of preventive cardiology strategies for identifying and managing conditions that affect heart health.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: Regular checkups are key to preventing heart problems; early detection of tricuspid valve disease allows for timely intervention and management to keep your heart strong.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Managing sinus tachycardia effectively through lifestyle adjustments and medical supervision can significantly reduce your risk of developing more serious cardiovascular issues.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Understanding and addressing congenital heart defects from birth is a cornerstone of preventive cardiology, minimizing the risk of debilitating heart conditions later in life.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a fast heart rhythm originating above the ventricles, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like stroke or heart failure.
• Atherosclerosis of Aorta: Protecting your aorta from atherosclerosis requires focusing on preventing and managing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Early intervention is key in reducing the severity and long-term impact of this condition.
• Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Early detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is key to preventing long-term heart damage and improving your overall cardiovascular health through timely treatment and management.
• Lipid Disorders: Regular check-ups to monitor your lipid levels can help identify and address any imbalances early on, preventing future heart problems.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: High blood pressure and chronic kidney disease often occur together, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke; early detection and management are crucial for preventing serious complications.

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

• Tilt Table Testing: Taking a proactive step towards better heart health, tilt table testing helps identify underlying conditions that might cause fainting, helping you prevent falls and injuries.
• 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.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: As a proactive measure against life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances, an ICD is implanted to monitor and correct irregular heartbeats, potentially saving your life.
• Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: This procedure involves inserting a wire into your heart's left ventricle to help prevent dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to stroke or sudden cardiac death.
• 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.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: As a preventative measure, consider cardiac ablation if you experience palpitations or irregular heartbeats; it can restore a normal heart rhythm.
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: If you experience fainting spells or irregular heartbeats, a pacemaker can help restore a healthy rhythm and prevent serious health events.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Take a proactive step towards heart health with arrhythmia screening—it checks for abnormal heart rhythms that could indicate underlying conditions.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: To proactively safeguard your heart health, a myocardial perfusion imaging test provides detailed pictures of your heart's blood flow, aiding in the early diagnosis of blockages that could lead to serious cardiovascular events.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards heart health with a cardiac ultrasound; this imaging test screens for issues like heart valve problems and blockages, enabling timely interventions.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm, helping prevent strokes and other complications from irregular heartbeats.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: To proactively safeguard your heart health, this advanced procedure uses robotic assistance for a precise examination of your heart's arteries, helping identify and address potential problems before they become serious.

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. Christopher Austin 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 understanding their PFO and following a proactive management plan, a patient felt empowered to reduce their stroke risk and enjoy a healthier future.
• A patient, recognizing the importance of proactive health management for syncope, established a comprehensive plan with the guidance of a cardiologist. This proactive approach significantly reduced the risk of falls and injuries, and provided 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. Christopher Austin:

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 specialized management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Christopher Austin?

Your first visit with Dr. Austin will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. This will allow us to discuss lifestyle factors and risk factors, and create a personalized plan for your heart health.

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, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and eating a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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 isn't usually life-threatening, it significantly increases the risk of stroke. Dr. Christopher Austin is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

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

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is the helpful kind, carrying "bad" (LDL) cholesterol away from the arteries. "Bad" cholesterol, or LDL, is the lousy kind that can build up plaque, potentially blocking blood flow. Dr. Austin 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; however, Dr. Austin 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.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should, not that it has stopped working. It's a chronic condition, but manageable. Dr. Austin uses medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We treat high blood pressure by focusing on preventing long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This involves foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and when necessary, medication to safely reach your personalized target blood pressure. Our goal is to not just lower your numbers, but to improve your overall cardiovascular health.

836 Prudential Dr Ste 1700
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 398-0125

Dr. Christopher Austin, 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): 1508178567

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. Christopher Austin 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.