Dr. James O'Meara, MD

Dr. James O'Meara, 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. He is registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. O'Meara is deeply committed to preventative health, recognizing that your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke. He collaborates 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. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 347-0528 to schedule.

Dr. James O'Meara, III, MD is an Interventional Cardiologist with over 35 years of dedicated experience in cardiovascular care, bringing a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1988 and completed an internship at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. His extensive training continued with a residency in Cardiology and further fellowship training at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. O'Meara's commitment to his patients extends beyond his clinical expertise, reflecting the comprehensive approach to care offered by The Cardiac & Vascular Institute. His practice, located at the conveniently accessible Gainesville/8th Avenue location, aligns perfectly with TCAVI's philosophy of treating each patient with compassionate and comprehensive medical care. Dr. O'Meara provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chronic Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Chronic venous embolism thrombosis means you have a history of blood clots in your veins, putting you at higher risk for more clots and potentially severe complications; proactive management through medication and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce this risk.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Preventing heart attacks and strokes involves understanding Acute Coronary Syndrome; early detection and treatment are crucial for minimizing long-term damage and improving your heart health.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects are heart problems present at birth, and early detection through prenatal care and newborn screenings can help prevent serious complications later in life.
• Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: Preventing serious complications from a congenital aortic valve disorder requires consistent monitoring and adhering to your doctor's advice, helping to maintain overall heart health and prevent stroke.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Regular monitoring for rheumatic aortic valve disease allows for early intervention and treatment, which can prevent severe complications such as heart failure and the need for invasive procedures.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): Managing cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol effectively lowers your chances of experiencing a heart attack, preserving your heart health.
• Sinus Tachycardia: While not always a cause for immediate concern, persistent sinus tachycardia highlights the importance of regular heart health check-ups and proactive risk assessment to prevent future cardiovascular events.
• Septal Defect: A septal defect is a hole in the wall separating the heart's chambers, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent long-term complications.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat that increases your risk of stroke, so early detection and treatment are crucial for prevention.
• 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.
• Third Degree Heart Block: Third-degree heart block is a serious heart rhythm problem where the heart's upper and lower chambers beat independently, potentially leading to fainting or even cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of regular heart checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Atrial Septal Defect: Preventing complications from an atrial septal defect (ASD), a hole in the heart's upper chambers, requires regular check-ups to detect and manage this condition that can lead to significant health issues.

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 O'Meara 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: To proactively safeguard your heart, a treadmill stress test evaluates how well your heart functions during exercise, identifying any weaknesses before they become serious issues.
• Coronary Angiogram: As part of your preventative care, a coronary angiogram offers a clear picture of your heart's blood flow, helping your doctor develop a personalized plan to manage your cardiovascular risk factors.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: A cardiovascular diagnostic test helps doctors identify potential heart problems early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications like heart attacks or strokes.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This heart screening uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, allowing doctors to assess its health, detect abnormalities early on, and implement preventative measures.
• Angioplasty With Stent Placement: As a proactive measure to protect your heart, this procedure uses a small, expandable tube (stent) to open narrowed or blocked arteries, restoring healthy blood flow.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware's online risk screening provides a personalized assessment of your risk factors for heart disease and stroke, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Angioplasty: If you have narrowed arteries, angioplasty helps restore blood flow to your heart, reducing your risk of serious cardiac events such as 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.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: Proactive removal or revision of a malfunctioning pacemaker or defibrillator prevents disruptions to your heart rhythm, safeguarding your overall cardiovascular health.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Protecting yourself from heart disease starts with a PAD screening, which checks for blockages in your leg arteries that could signal wider circulatory problems.
• Cardiac Imaging: As part of your preventative care, cardiac imaging helps assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. By detecting abnormalities early, you can work with your doctor to implement effective treatment and prevention strategies.
• Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization: As a proactive step towards better heart health, this procedure uses thin tubes and dye to create images of your heart's blood vessels, identifying areas with reduced blood flow that might lead to future complications.

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 O'Meara 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 adhering to a prescribed medication regimen and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing further blood clots, achieving a sense of peace and control over their health.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a personalized prevention plan, a patient proactively reduced their chances of developing Acute Coronary Syndrome, gaining peace of mind and a healthier outlook.

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 O'Meara:

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 need expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. James O'Meara?

Your first visit with Dr. O'Meara 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 factors 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 preventive actions. By proactively addressing these factors, you significantly improve your chances of a healthy heart.

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. O'Meara better understand your future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of your prevention strategy.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. You walk on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. It's a crucial non-invasive tool to identify potential blockages in your coronary arteries.

What is a cardiac ablation procedure?

A cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain types of fast heart rhythms. A specialist uses catheters to locate and eliminate the problematic heart tissue using heat or cold energy, often curing the arrhythmia.

What is a TAVR procedure?

TAVR is a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR uses a catheter, leading to a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

What is a heart murmur?

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

The Cardiac & Vascular Institute - Gainesville/8th Avenue
4645 NW 8th Ave
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (850) 347-0528

Dr. James O'Meara, 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): 1902872864

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 O'Meara 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.