Dr. Joel Garcia, MD

Dr. Joel Garcia, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. He practices at his clinic in Lady Lake, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Garcia is committed to working collaboratively with you to create a long-term health plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage cardiovascular risk factors for a lifetime of wellness. 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. Dr. Garcia is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 674-2080 to schedule.

Joel R. Garcia, MS, MD, FACC, FCCP, is a board-certified Cardiologist with extensive experience. He earned his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and completed a Cardiology Fellowship at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. Dr. Garcia's expertise encompasses general and invasive cardiology, advanced heart failure, and a broad range of cardiac imaging modalities. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds academic appointments at Florida State University College of Medicine and University of Central Florida College of Medicine, demonstrating his commitment to both patient care and medical education. He is also fluent in Spanish and offers consultations in this language.

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

• Atrial Septal Defect: An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the heart's upper chambers that may go unnoticed, emphasizing the importance of regular cardiac screenings and timely intervention to avert future complications.
• Type 2 Heart Block - Mobitz: Understanding your risk for Mobitz type 2 heart block, a condition affecting the heart's rhythm, can help you work with your doctor to make lifestyle changes and manage your overall cardiovascular health effectively, preventing future heart problems.
• 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.
• First Degree Heart Block: Managing risk factors associated with first-degree heart block, like high blood pressure or underlying heart conditions, is vital to minimizing your risk of developing more serious heart rhythm problems.
• Nonrheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Regular heart health screenings are vital for early identification of nonrheumatic tricuspid valve issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing worsening symptoms.
• Syncope: Syncope, or fainting, can be a sign of an underlying heart problem, so seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Rheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Managing rheumatic tricuspid disease effectively involves regular monitoring and often medication to control symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing, thereby ensuring a better quality of life.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Experiencing a persistently rapid heartbeat (sinus tachycardia) warrants medical attention, as it could indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medication to reduce your risk of heart problems.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm irregularity that can be prevented through proactive management of risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Heart Attack (NSTEMI): Early identification and treatment of an NSTEMI, a heart attack with reduced blood flow, is vital to minimize damage to the heart and lessen the risk of future cardiovascular events.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Early diagnosis and appropriate management of rheumatic aortic valve disorders can help you slow or stop the progression of valve damage, leading to a better quality of life and preventing significant cardiac events.
• Prinzmetal Angina: Regular checkups and attention to cardiovascular health are crucial in detecting Prinzmetal angina early, allowing timely intervention and minimizing the risk of future 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. Joel Garcia 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: As a diagnostic tool, tilt table testing can reveal whether heart-related issues are contributing to your symptoms, leading to early intervention and improved cardiovascular health.
• Treadmill Stress Test: A treadmill stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's health under exertion, allowing for early detection of potential heart problems and helping prevent future heart attacks or strokes.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Ensure your heart's electrical system is working properly with an arrhythmia screening, helping prevent sudden cardiac events and improve your quality of life.
• Coronary Angiogram: To ensure early detection of potential heart problems, a coronary angiogram provides detailed images of your heart's blood vessels, enabling timely intervention and reducing your risk of serious complications.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: To ensure your heart's health, a cardiac MRI provides detailed images to help assess its structure and function, facilitating early diagnosis and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
• Cardioversion: If you experience irregular heartbeats, cardioversion is a treatment option that can help restore a normal rhythm and improve your long-term cardiovascular health.
• 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.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: This procedure combines the precision of robotics with cardiac catheterization to provide detailed images of your heart, allowing for early detection of conditions like coronary artery disease and facilitating timely treatment.
• 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.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: As a proactive step toward better cardiovascular health, this ultrasound and plethysmography exam helps your doctor assess your blood flow, identifying any blockages or abnormalities that may increase your risk of heart disease or stroke.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Joel Garcia 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 cardiac screenings, a patient proactively managed their atrial septal defect risk, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By understanding their risk factors for Mobitz type 2 heart block and following a proactive health plan, a patient felt empowered to make lifestyle changes, significantly reducing their risk of future heart problems. This proactive approach brought them peace of mind and allowed them to focus on overall wellness.

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. Joel Garcia:

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

A cardiologist is a medical doctor 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. Joel Garcia?

Your first visit with Dr. Garcia will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. This will help us understand your current heart health and create a personalized plan to help you maintain a healthy heart.

What are the most important things I can do to prevent a heart attack?

Taking control of your cardiovascular health is within your reach. 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 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.

What is a cardiac stress test?

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

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, as it indicates a very high risk of heart attack and stroke. It's crucial to discuss this with your doctor to manage the risk.

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 in the wrist or groin to the heart.

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. Garcia 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.

8575 NE 138th Ln
Lady Lake FL 32159
Phone: (352) 674-2080

Dr. Joel Garcia, 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): 1184674244

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. Joel Garcia 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.