Dr. Robert Safford, MD

Dr. Robert Safford, MD is a Cardiology specializing in proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His practice is deeply rooted in empowering patients to take control of their cardiovascular health, recognizing 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) 953-2000 to schedule.

Dr. Robert Safford, MD is a cardiologist in Jacksonville, FL, with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Mayo Clinic in 1977 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Safford's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Congestive Heart Failure: Preventing heart disease includes understanding CHF, a condition where your heart weakens and struggles to pump efficiently, increasing your risk for serious complications – making proactive health management crucial.
• Hypertension: Managing hypertension effectively through medication and lifestyle modifications can prevent serious health complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Primary pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition affecting blood flow to your lungs that often requires proactive management to reduce the risks of heart failure and other severe consequences.
• Heart Disease: Managing heart disease effectively involves understanding your risk factors, making positive lifestyle choices, and collaborating with your healthcare provider to control conditions and avoid future heart problems.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Managing both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease is vital for protecting your heart and kidneys; taking prescribed medications and following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent future health issues.
• Pericardial Disease: Pericardial disease involves inflammation or infection of the sac surrounding your heart, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• 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.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain might indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medical interventions to manage your cardiovascular risk factors and prevent future heart problems.
• Syncope: Syncope, or fainting, can be a sign of an underlying heart problem, so seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Cardiomegaly: Cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, can be a sign of underlying heart conditions, making early detection and management crucial for preventing serious complications like heart failure.
• Benign Heart Tumors: Even though benign, heart tumors can still affect your cardiovascular system. Regular screenings help catch them early, allowing for appropriate management and prevention of future issues.
• Hyperlipidemia: Managing hyperlipidemia through diet and exercise, or medication if needed, is essential for lowering your risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

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. Robert Safford 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.
• Cardiac Imaging: To proactively safeguard your heart health, cardiac imaging provides a visual assessment of your heart's structure and function, enabling early detection of issues such as blockages or weakened areas, leading to timely intervention.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's health under exertion, enabling early detection of potential heart problems and preventing future issues.
• Cardioversion: Take a proactive step toward better heart health: cardioversion can restore your heart to a healthy rhythm, significantly lowering 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.
• Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Proactive heart health management includes exploring cardiac ablation, a treatment that helps prevent life-threatening arrhythmias and improves overall heart function.
• Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): As a proactive measure to address severe heart failure, an LVAD offers a significant boost to your heart's pumping ability, improving circulation and extending your life.

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. Robert Safford 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 their risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their heart health, significantly reducing the likelihood of developing congestive heart failure and enjoying a healthier future.
• By consistently following a personalized plan of medication and lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of serious heart conditions, enjoying a healthier and more confident future.

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. Robert Safford:

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 requiring expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Robert Safford?

Your first visit with Dr. Safford will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. A discussion of lifestyle and risk factors will follow, leading to the creation of a personalized heart health plan.

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

Taking control of your cardiovascular health involves knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet. These proactive steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should, not that it has stopped working. It's a chronic condition that can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Dr. Safford will work with you to improve your heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

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. Safford to assess the strength of the heart muscle, check the function of the heart valves, and detect structural problems.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. You'll 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 heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; however, Dr. Safford 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.

What is a TAVR procedure?

TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, is a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR is performed through a catheter, leading to a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

4500 San Pablo Rd S Bldg And
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Robert Safford, 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): 1245227404

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. Robert Safford 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.