Dr. Sonya Lefever, MD

Dr. Sonya Lefever, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she 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. She serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 388-1820 to schedule.

Dr. Sonya Lefever, MD is a cardiologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 1993 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she's deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting new patients.

Dr. Lefever's approach to patient care is rooted in a deep understanding of cardiovascular health and a commitment to preventive strategies. She understands that proactive measures are crucial in maintaining optimal well-being. Her extensive experience, coupled with her commitment to evidence-based medicine, allows her to provide personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Sonya Lefever provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Arrhythmias: Managing an arrhythmia through lifestyle changes and/or medication is crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening events such as stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.
• Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a disease where your heart muscle becomes weakened or thickened, potentially leading to heart failure; regular checkups and proactive management are crucial.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, significantly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, so regular checkups and lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention.
• Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is an irregular heartbeat that, if left untreated, can increase your risk of stroke and heart failure, highlighting the importance of regular heart checkups.
• 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.
• Aortic Aneurysm: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking is crucial for preventing the development or worsening of an aortic aneurysm, safeguarding your heart health.
• Hypotension: Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem and needs attention to prevent complications.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Having both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease significantly increases your risk of heart problems and stroke; managing both conditions is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Hyperlipidemia: Don't let high cholesterol sneak up on you—hyperlipidemia often has no symptoms, so regular blood tests are vital for early detection and prevention.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect your heart, and taking steps to prevent it through lifestyle changes and regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

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. Sonya Lefever 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): A cardiac catheterization helps doctors check your heart's arteries for blockages that could lead to a heart attack or stroke, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging uses advanced technology like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to create detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels, helping doctors detect problems early and prevent serious heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This imaging test helps doctors pinpoint areas of reduced blood flow to your heart, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes, making it a crucial step in proactive heart care.
• 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.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: To proactively monitor your heart health, a peripheral artery catheterization provides a detailed look at the arteries in your limbs, helping diagnose and prevent conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: Take charge of your cardiovascular health with a vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography. This simple test provides crucial insights into your circulatory system, enabling early detection of conditions that could lead to a stroke or heart attack.
• Thrombolysis: To prevent devastating consequences of a blocked artery, thrombolysis uses medication to break up blood clots responsible for heart attacks and strokes, restoring blood flow to vital organs.

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. Sonya Lefever 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 arrhythmia risk factors and following a proactive heart health plan, a patient gained the peace of mind to pursue their desired lifestyle goals.
• By adhering to a personalized proactive heart health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cardiomyopathy progression, fostering peace of mind and a healthier future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Sonya Lefever:

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. Sonya Lefever?

Your first visit with Dr. Lefever will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We'll review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. We'll also discuss lifestyle choices 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 within your reach. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key preventive steps. By making these lifestyle choices, you are actively shaping your heart's future.

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), and is it dangerous?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular and often rapid heartbeat. While the rhythm itself is not usually life-threatening, it significantly increases the risk of stroke. Dr. Lefever is an expert in managing AFib with medications and procedures to control the rhythm and prevent strokes.

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

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 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.

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

Good" (HDL) cholesterol is helpful, removing "bad" (LDL) cholesterol from the body. "Bad" cholesterol can build up plaque in arteries, leading to blockages. Dr. Lefever helps manage both to prevent heart disease.

1824 King St Ste 300
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (904) 388-1820

Dr. Sonya Lefever, 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): 1538162664

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. Sonya Lefever 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.