Dr. John Petersen, MD

Dr. John Petersen, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, FL. He is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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) 265-0820 to schedule.

Dr. Petersen is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Florida, holding a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, honed through over 20 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2004, completing an internship at Duke University Hospital and fellowship training at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, specializing in Cardiovascular Diseases. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Petersen's approach is rooted in a dedication to excellence in patient care, evidenced by his numerous awards and recognitions, including the Attending of the Year award from the Department of Medicine Internal Medicine Residents and the Master Clinician Award from the Department of Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Petersen provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. John Petersen 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. John Petersen 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. John Petersen 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: A Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern is a heart condition identified by an unusual pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG), and understanding this pattern helps us prevent future episodes of rapid heartbeats and potential heart damage.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): While many people with a PFO live without issues, it can be a risk factor for stroke if a blood clot moves through it to the brain; addressing other risk factors like high blood pressure can lessen your stroke risk.
• Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: If you have narrowed kidney arteries causing high blood pressure (renovascular hypertension), proactive management helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack is a serious event, but understanding your risk factors and actively managing them can help prevent this life-threatening condition.
• Systolic Heart Failure: Systolic heart failure means your heart's ability to pump blood effectively is weakened, making early detection and management crucial to prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.
• Coronary Artery Dissection: Preventing coronary artery dissection involves recognizing and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, as early detection and intervention can significantly reduce the risk of this potentially life-threatening event.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Regular monitoring and prompt treatment of mitral valve stenosis are key to preventing irreversible damage and maintaining good heart health.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a gradual buildup of plaque in your arteries, and understanding your risk factors early on can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
• Aortic Embolism and Thrombosis: Early detection and management of conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol are vital in reducing your risk of developing aortic embolism and thrombosis, safeguarding your heart health.
• Heart Disease: Early detection and management of heart disease are crucial to prevent serious complications, such as heart failure and stroke, so don't ignore any symptoms and prioritize regular health screenings.
• Aortic Stenosis: Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, hindering blood flow from the heart and increasing your risk of heart failure—early detection and management are crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Rheumatic Tricuspid Disease: Rheumatic tricuspid disease, a complication of untreated strep throat, affects the heart's tricuspid valve, highlighting the importance of prompt strep treatment to prevent long-term heart damage.

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

• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): To proactively safeguard your heart health, a cardiac catheterization uses special imaging to detect narrowed or blocked arteries, enabling timely treatment and reducing your risk of future cardiovascular events.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: By assessing the blood vessels in your legs and feet, a peripheral artery catheterization helps identify circulation issues early on, preventing severe health problems and promoting proactive heart health management.
• 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.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: By taking a pharmacologic nuclear stress test, you're taking a proactive step towards preventing future cardiovascular events by identifying potential blockages or weaknesses in your heart's blood vessels.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: This procedure ensures your implanted device is working correctly, providing crucial support for your heart and helping you avoid potentially serious cardiac events.
• 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.
• Tilt_Testing: Taking a proactive step toward better heart health, a tilt table test can help rule out heart rhythm issues that cause fainting or dizziness.
• Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: As a proactive step toward better heart health, transcatheter mitral valve repair addresses problems with your mitral valve, improving heart function and reducing your risk of future cardiovascular events.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Protect your heart's health with a structural heart disease assessment; this evaluation helps identify and address issues like valve problems or birth defects before they cause significant damage.
• 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.
• Thrombolysis: As part of your proactive heart health plan, thrombolysis is a critical treatment option for quickly addressing blood clots that are causing a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test provides valuable insights into your heart's ability to handle stress, allowing for timely intervention and preventative measures to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.

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. John Petersen 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 the Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern and working with a cardiologist, a patient proactively managed their heart health, reducing the risk of future episodes and gaining peace of mind.
• Knowing the potential risks associated with a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a patient proactively addressed other cardiovascular risk factors, significantly reducing their stroke risk and gaining 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. John Petersen:

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. John Petersen?

Your first visit with Dr. Petersen will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, obtain an EKG, and discuss 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 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 significantly reduce your risk.

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

What is a cardiac ablation procedure?

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.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not just lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This involves foundational lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and medication when needed to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure. Our approach is tailored to your individual needs.

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

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is helpful, carrying "bad" (LDL) cholesterol away from the arteries. "Bad" cholesterol can build up, causing blockages. Dr. Petersen 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. Petersen 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.

4037 NW 86th Ter
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 265-0820

Dr. John Petersen, 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): 1588868939

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. John Petersen 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.