Dr. George Pilcher, MD

Dr. George Pilcher, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and 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, Dr. Pilcher 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) 388-1820 to schedule.

Dr. George Pilcher, MD is a cardiologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Pilcher has extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Conditions, Interventional Cardiac Procedures, and Heart Conditions. He earned his medical degree from Augusta University Medical College Of Georgia in 1978, followed by residency training in Cardiology at Emory University Hospital. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Pilcher is affiliated with Ascension St Vincent's Riverside and committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern is an extra electrical pathway in your heart that can cause a rapid heartbeat, and early detection through regular checkups helps prevent serious complications like stroke.
• Aneurysm of Heart: A heart aneurysm can weaken the heart muscle; proactive heart health management helps identify and manage this condition, minimizing severe complications.
• Chronic Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Chronic venous embolism thrombosis (CVET) is a serious condition where blood clots repeatedly form in the veins, increasing your risk of life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism; early detection and treatment are crucial for prevention.
• Hypotension: Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, including addressing hypotension, is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke.
• Aortic Ectasia: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol is crucial in preventing or slowing the progression of aortic ectasia, a condition where the aorta expands.
• Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: Early detection of chronic congestive heart failure is crucial for preventing serious complications, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, through proactive treatment.
• Aortic Valve Disease: Aortic valve disease, if left untreated, can lead to significant heart problems. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are crucial for preventing these complications.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Regular health screenings can help detect sinus bradycardia early, allowing for timely management and reducing your risk of experiencing serious cardiovascular complications.
• 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.
• Pericardial Disease: Catching pericardial disease early, often through recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention, can significantly reduce the risk of long-term heart damage.
• Coronary Vessel Malformation: Managing coronary vessel malformations involves lifestyle changes and sometimes medical interventions to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
• Septic Embolism: Preventing infections is key to avoiding septic emboli, which can severely harm your heart and blood vessels, emphasizing proactive health measures to safeguard your cardiovascular system.

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

• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Invest in your well-being with a cardiovascular diagnostic test; this screening helps assess the health of your heart and blood vessels, enabling early detection and management of potential problems.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Invest in your cardiovascular future by having a structural heart disease evaluation; this check-up identifies structural problems that might increase your risk of heart disease or stroke.
• 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.
• Mitral Valve Repair: Protecting your heart's future: mitral valve repair addresses problems with the mitral valve, improving heart function and preventing serious cardiovascular issues.
• 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.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation (TAVR/TAVI): To proactively manage your heart health, consider TAVR/TAVI if you have a severely narrowed aortic valve; it's a life-enhancing procedure that helps restore normal heart function.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac ablation is a procedure that precisely targets and corrects abnormal electrical pathways in your heart, reducing your risk of serious heart events.
• 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.
• 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.
• Mitral Valve Surgery: Protecting your future: mitral valve surgery addresses a specific heart valve problem, improving heart function and overall quality of life.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Don't wait for symptoms – proactive PAD screening helps identify and treat artery narrowing in your legs and feet before they cause significant health issues.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Take charge of your heart health with HeartAware: a quick online screening that helps identify your risk for heart disease and stroke, allowing for early intervention.

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. George Pilcher 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 attending regular checkups, a patient identified a Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern early, reducing the risk of serious complications and allowing them to proactively manage their heart health. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their long-term well-being.
• By diligently following a proactive heart health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a heart aneurysm, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their future health.

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. George Pilcher:

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 needing expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. George Pilcher?

Your first visit with Dr. Pilcher will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, perform 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. These proactive steps empower you to shape your own heart health destiny.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a safe and painless ultrasound of your heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures, allowing Dr. Pilcher to assess your heart muscle strength, check your heart valve function, and detect any structural problems.

What is the purpose of cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help patients recover from heart conditions like heart attacks, stents, or heart surgery. It strengthens the heart, reduces risk factors, and helps patients safely regain their confidence and quality of life.

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. Pilcher is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

What is heart failure?

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

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 needed when the heart's natural electrical system isn't working correctly, ensuring the heart beats at a proper, steady rate.

1824 King St Ste 300
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (904) 388-1820

Dr. George Pilcher, 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): 1306849583

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. George Pilcher 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.