Dr. Russell Stapleton III, MD

Dr. Russell Stapleton III, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive cardiovascular care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under 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 (904) 396-5996 to schedule.

Dr. Russell Stapleton III, MD is a cardiologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from Medical University of South Carolina in 1987. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Nassau and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. Named among "Jacksonville's Top Docs," Dr. Stapleton is a highly-skilled interventional cardiologist who has provided superior care to Northeast Florida since 1996. He has performed thousands of coronary interventions and provides comprehensive care for a wide variety of cardiac and vascular conditions. As a Southern Heart Group physician, he is part of a highly-distinguished team of multi-disciplinary cardiovascular specialists recognized as "Northeast Florida's Best in Cardiology Care." Dr. Stapleton III provides consultations primarily in English and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Russell Stapleton III 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. Russell Stapleton III 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. Russell Stapleton III 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:

• Mitral Valve Disease: Early diagnosis of mitral valve disease is crucial, as treatment can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and other life-threatening events.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole in the heart that's present from birth and, while often harmless, can sometimes increase the risk of stroke by allowing blood clots to travel to the brain; early detection and management can significantly reduce this risk.
• Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is a weakening and widening of the aorta, and proactive management through lifestyle changes and medication can prevent it from getting bigger and potentially rupturing.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Protecting your heart involves recognizing and managing conditions like sick sinus syndrome, a disorder that affects the heart's electrical system, to reduce your risk of serious heart problems.
• 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.
• Second Degree Heart Block: Second-degree heart block is a type of heart rhythm disorder where the electrical signals that control your heartbeat are partially blocked, making early detection and management crucial to prevent serious complications like heart failure.
• Heart Valve Disorders: Addressing heart valve issues proactively, through lifestyle modifications and medication if needed, can help prevent debilitating conditions and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
• Coronary Artery Aneurysm: Coronary artery aneurysms can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes and medical treatments, emphasizing the importance of preventive care to safeguard heart health.
• Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Managing rheumatic aortic valve disease involves proactive steps to prevent further damage to your heart's aortic valve and avoid serious complications like heart failure, emphasizing the importance of regular checkups.
• Lipid Disorders: Managing lipid disorders effectively lowers your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications later in life.
• Aortic Valve Disease: Aortic valve disease, if left untreated, can lead to significant heart problems. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are crucial for preventing these 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.

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

• 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.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: A peripheral artery catheterization is a procedure that helps doctors check your blood flow to your legs and feet, allowing for early detection and prevention of serious circulatory problems.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Invest in your well-being with a cardiovascular diagnostic test; this screening helps assess the health of your heart and blood vessels, enabling early detection and management of potential problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Protecting your heart starts with knowing its rhythm: an arrhythmia screening can identify irregularities and allow for timely intervention.
• Mitral Valve Surgery: Taking charge of your heart health: mitral valve surgery helps correct a faulty valve, reducing your risk of heart failure and stroke.
• 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.
• Impella Device: To support your heart during major surgery, an Impella device can provide temporary assistance to ensure a successful procedure and faster recovery.
• 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.
• Tilt Table Testing: By assessing your body's response to changes in position, a tilt table test can help detect hidden heart rhythm problems and prevent future health issues.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: A cardiac MRI offers a comprehensive view of your heart and chest, providing critical information to detect and monitor cardiovascular diseases early on, thus promoting better management of your risk factors and improving overall heart 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. Russell Stapleton III 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 following the proactive screening plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential mitral valve disease early, significantly reducing their risk of serious complications and enjoying a healthier future.
• By understanding their PFO and following a proactive management plan, a patient felt empowered to take control of their heart health and significantly reduce their stroke risk. This proactive approach brought a sense of peace and confidence to the patient's life.

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. Russell Stapleton III:

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. Russell Stapleton III?

Your first visit with Dr. Stapleton 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 achievable. Know and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol, avoid smoking, be physically active, and eat a heart-healthy diet. These steps empower you to significantly reduce your risk of heart attack. Our practice is here to support you every step of the way.

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 the legs and feet. Having P.A.D. is a significant warning sign, as it indicates a substantially increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension)?

We aim to not only lower your blood pressure numbers, but also prevent long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This involves foundational lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise, and, if needed, medication to safely reach a personalized target blood pressure.

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 heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; however, Dr. Stapleton 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 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. Russell Stapleton III better understand your future risk of a heart attack and guide the intensity of your prevention strategy.

836 Prudential Dr Ste 1700
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 396-5996

Dr. Russell Stapleton III, 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): 1265498976

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. Russell Stapleton III 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.