Dr. James Nelson, MD

Dr. James Nelson, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, 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), ensuring the highest standards of care and adherence to the law. 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 (352) 336-3050 to schedule.

Dr. James Nelson, MD is a cardiologist in Gainesville, FL. He is affiliated with medical facilities HCA Florida North Florida Hospital and UF Health Shands Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Nelson earned his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College in Pennsylvania. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Cardiology at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in a specific area of patient health at Geisinger Medical Center, deepening his expertise. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. James Nelson provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Coronary artery disease, if left untreated, can lead to severe health issues, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and following your doctor's recommendations to avoid complications.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: The Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern signifies an extra electrical connection in your heart, potentially leading to fast heart rhythms; managing this condition minimizes your chances of heart-related complications.
• Pericardial Disease: Preventive care, including managing underlying conditions, helps reduce your chances of developing pericardial disease and its associated complications, like heart failure.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Protecting your heart from the damage caused by high blood pressure is essential – managing hypertension prevents the development of hypertensive heart disease.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia is a heart rhythm disorder that can be managed effectively to lower your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues, highlighting the importance of proactive heart health.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): Having a PFO means you have a tiny opening in your heart from birth that may increase your chances of stroke if a blood clot forms; preventive measures like managing blood clotting factors are important to lower your risk.
• Hypotension: While high blood pressure is commonly known, low blood pressure (hypotension) can also be a risk factor for dizziness and falls, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups.
• Sinus Bradycardia: A slow heartbeat, or sinus bradycardia, might not always cause symptoms, but proactive monitoring and management can prevent serious health issues and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
• Lipid Disorders: Lipid disorders, like high cholesterol, are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, so early detection and management are crucial for preventing serious health problems.
• Arrhythmias: Managing an arrhythmia through lifestyle changes and/or medication is crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening events such as stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and heart infections can help prevent or slow the progression of mitral valve disease.
• Second Degree Heart Block: A second-degree heart block signifies an interruption in the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeat, highlighting the importance of preventive care and regular check-ups to minimize the chances of severe heart events.

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

• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's ability to handle increased workload, identifying potential blockages that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
• Tilt Table Testing: This test helps doctors understand if changes in blood pressure or heart rate are causing your symptoms, allowing for proactive management of heart health.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: As part of your heart health journey, a nuclear stress test provides a detailed look at your heart's function during exercise, helping to detect potential problems and prevent serious events like strokes.
• 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.
• 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: To proactively safeguard your heart health, consider a vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography; this non-invasive scan helps identify blockages or other issues in your arteries and veins before they become major problems.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Get a clear picture of your heart health with HeartAware's convenient online risk assessment, helping you take control of your cardiovascular future.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging uses advanced technology like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to create detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels, helping doctors detect problems early and prevent serious heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Don't wait for symptoms; proactively assess your heart health with an EKG, a simple test that can detect underlying issues and help prevent serious cardiovascular events.
• 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.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: As a proactive step in managing your cardiovascular health, a pharmacologic nuclear stress test provides detailed images of your heart to detect reduced blood flow that could signal heart disease.
• 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.

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. James Nelson 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 risk factors and attending regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing coronary artery disease, gaining peace of mind about their heart health.
• By understanding their Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern and following a proactive health plan, a patient felt empowered to minimize the risk of future heart-related complications and live their life to the fullest.

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. James Nelson:

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

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions of 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. James Nelson?

Your first visit with Dr. Nelson will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. We will also discuss lifestyle choices and risk factors to create 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. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of heart attack.

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

LDL, or "lousy" cholesterol, builds up plaque in your arteries, potentially leading to blockages. HDL, or "healthy" cholesterol, helps remove this bad cholesterol from your body. Dr. James Nelson helps manage both to prevent heart disease.

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

Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is caused by the same buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) that leads to coronary artery disease, but it affects the arteries in your legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, strongly suggesting a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not just lower your blood pressure numbers, but also prevent long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. Our approach is two-pronged: first, we focus on foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. If needed, we'll add medication to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure for optimal health.

What is a calcium score screening?

A calcium score screening is a special CT scan of the heart that measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. It's a powerful preventive tool to help Dr. James Nelson better understand your future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of your prevention strategy.

What is an echocardiogram?

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

3720 NW 83rd St
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 336-3050

Dr. James Nelson, 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): 1053592162

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. James Nelson 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.