Dr. Alan Schimmel, MD

About Dr. Alan Schimmel, MD

Dr. Alan Schimmel, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at First Coast Cardiovascular Institute in Jacksonville, FL. He is deeply committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). I provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for my patients. I serve all ages and am currently welcoming new patients. Please call (904) 428-0453 to schedule an appointment.

With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Schimmel brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from State University - Ny - Buffalo Ny in 1979 and completed an internship at State University - Ny - Stonybrook Ny. He then undertook residency training in Cardiology at State University - Ny - Stonybrook Ny, and a fellowship deepening his expertise in this area of patient health. 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. Schimmel is also a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Schimmel's practice is focused on providing comprehensive, high quality cardiac care to our patients in a cost effective manner. He provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Alan Schimmel was born and raised in New York. He attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology as an undergraduate and went on to receive his medical degree from Buffalo Medical School. Dr. Schimmel completed his residency as well as his cardiology fellowship at Stony Brook University. He then found his way to Jacksonville, FL where he has been in private practice for almost 30 years practicing clinical, diagnostic and interventional cardiology. He enjoys time with his family and playing golf. He volunteers his time as an alumni admissions interviewer for his Alma Mater, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Alan Schimmel addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Second Degree Heart Block: Second-degree heart block is a type of heart rhythm problem where the heart's electrical signals aren't properly relayed, causing some heartbeats to be skipped.
• Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is a condition where there's too much potassium in your blood.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, puts extra strain on your blood vessels and heart.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Babies can be born with congenital heart defects, which are problems with the heart's structure or function.
• Lipid Disorders: Unhealthy levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, known as lipid disorders, need management to protect your cardiovascular health.
• Aneurysm and Dissection of Heart: Heart aneurysm and dissection are life-threatening conditions where a portion of the heart muscle balloons out or tears apart.
• Heart Attack (NSTEMI): NSTEMI is a less severe type of heart attack than STEMI, involving a partial blockage of a coronary artery, resulting in symptoms like chest pain and discomfort.
• Nonrheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Your heart's mitral valve may have nonrheumatic stenosis, meaning it's narrowed and doesn't allow blood to pass through easily, unlike cases caused by rheumatic fever.
• Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular and rapid heartbeat, atrial fibrillation affects the heart's rhythm and can increase the risk of stroke and other serious health issues.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease refers to problems with the heart's mitral valve, which may not open or close properly, affecting blood flow.
• Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: This heart rhythm problem, called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, involves sudden attacks of rapid and irregular heartbeats that eventually return to normal on their own.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease encompasses various problems that impact the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Alan Schimmel addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Cardiology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Cardiovascular Services Provided

Dr. Alan Schimmel offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Insertion: This service provides implantation of a device to help regulate your heart rhythm.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from around your lungs.
• Stress Test: This stress test evaluates your heart's response to exertion.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: If you have a heart condition related to the physical structure of your heart, this covers its diagnosis and treatment.
• Angioplasty: Angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart, improving blood flow.
• Coronary Stenting: Coronary stenting is a procedure where a small, expandable tube is placed in a narrowed coronary artery to improve blood flow to the heart.
• Coronary Angioplasty: Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart.
• Cardioversion: A cardioversion procedure uses electricity to convert an abnormal heart rhythm back to a normal, steady beat.
• Cardiac Imaging: These imaging techniques help doctors assess the size, shape, and function of your heart and blood vessels.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel to check for narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart.
• Impella Device: During heart surgery or when your heart is struggling, an Impella device can temporarily take over some of the pumping work.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a peripheral artery to measure blood pressure, obtain blood gases, or administer medications directly into your bloodstream.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Alan Schimmel. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Cardiology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Cardiology in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Alan Schimmel:

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. Our cardiologists are experts in these conditions.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Alan Schimmel?

Your first visit with Dr. Schimmel will involve a detailed review of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam and often an electrocardiogram (EKG) will be conducted. Further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, might be discussed based on your specific needs.

Does Dr. Alan Schimmel accept my insurance?

Dr. Schimmel's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm coverage for your specific plan, please call our office directly with your insurance information. This will ensure accurate details for consultations and any potential procedures.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

Dr. Schimmel and our team often treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which involves blockages in leg arteries. We manage risk factors like smoking and high cholesterol, and perform procedures like angiography and stenting to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like leg pain.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound of your heart. Sound waves create moving pictures, allowing us to assess your heart's size, shape, pumping function, and valve health.

How does Dr. Alan Schimmel treat heart valve disease?

Dr. Schimmel approaches valvular heart disease with a personalized strategy, ranging from regular monitoring for mild cases to medication management for more moderate issues. For severe cases, he coordinates care with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist for procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR).

What is a stent and why would I need one?

A stent is a tiny, expandable mesh tube placed inside a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to prop the artery open, restore blood flow to the heart muscle, and relieve symptoms like chest pain.

What is a cardiac catheterization or angiogram?

Cardiac catheterization, or angiogram, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. A thin tube (catheter) is guided to the heart to measure pressures and visualize the coronary arteries with dye, which helps identify blockages.