Dr. Ann Tong, MD

About Dr. Ann Tong, MD

Dr. Ann Tong, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at The Cardiac & Vascular Institute – Gainesville/8th Avenue in Gainesville, FL. She is dedicated 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). Dr. Tong's practice focus is on providing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for her patients. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (352) 517-2484 to schedule an appointment.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Tong brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in 1993 and completed an internship at Tufts New England Medical Center - Boston Ma. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Cardiology at Tufts New England Medical Center - Boston Ma, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, she pursued fellowship training in Cardiology and Clinical Effectiveness at Harvard Medical School/School of Public Health and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, and Echocardiography at Methodist Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and holds additional certifications in Echocardiography (Level 3), Nuclear Medicine (Level 2), and coronary CT (Level 2). Dr. Tong is fluent in Spanish and also offers consultations in Vietnamese.

Dr. Tong's extensive training and experience, combined with her dedication to comprehensive patient care, make her an invaluable asset to The Cardiac & Vascular Institute. Her commitment to providing evidence-based, compassionate care, alongside the institute's commitment to the same, ensures that patients receive the best possible cardiovascular experience. She is a Cardiologist at The Cardiac & Vascular Institute, where she is actively involved in the cardiology rotations for the University of Central Florida Residency Program.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Ann Tong addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Cardiomyopathy: With cardiomyopathy, the heart's ability to pump blood is compromised due to problems with the heart muscle's structure or function.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia means your heart's natural pacemaker is generating fewer electrical impulses than usual, resulting in a slow heartbeat.
• Tricuspid Valve Disease: A diseased tricuspid valve may not seal completely, allowing blood to leak backward, or it may be narrowed, restricting blood flow, both potentially leading to heart problems.
• Prinzmetal Angina: This rare form of angina occurs when the heart's arteries temporarily constrict, leading to chest pain or discomfort.
• Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a persistent blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.
• Sinus Tachycardia: A rapid heartbeat, originating from the heart's natural pacemaker, is the hallmark of sinus tachycardia.
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect present at birth where a blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery doesn't close as it should.
• Venous Compression: Venous compression can be caused by external pressure, such as a cast or tumor, or by internal factors.
• Arrhythmias: An arrhythmia is a problem with the electrical signals that control your heart's rhythm.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A PFO is a flap-like opening between the two upper chambers of the heart that may not close completely after birth.
• Granulomatosis: Granulomatosis is a condition where inflammation causes the formation of small lumps of tissue in various parts of the body.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Pulmonary hypertension, a type of chronic pulmonary heart disease, involves high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Ann Tong 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 she 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. Ann Tong offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test assesses your heart's response to physical exertion by tracking its rhythm and blood flow.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that measures the electrical activity of your heart to check for rhythm problems and other heart conditions.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This test uses ultrasound technology to check the size, shape, and function of your heart.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This non-invasive test combines medication to stress your heart with a radioactive tracer to create images showing how well blood flows through your heart's arteries.
• Ultrasound: Our cardiovascular ultrasound service uses sound waves to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
• Stress Echocardiogram: A stress echocardiogram uses ultrasound to image your heart while you're exercising to evaluate blood flow and detect any abnormalities under physical exertion.
• 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.
• Nuclear Medicine Study: This nuclear medicine study uses a small amount of radioactive material to help your doctor see how well your heart is working.
• Holter Monitoring: A Holter monitor is a portable device that records your heart's rhythm over 24-48 hours to detect irregular heartbeats.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: A robotic system assists doctors in performing a cardiac catheterization, a minimally invasive procedure to examine and treat blood vessels and heart chambers.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: A cardiac MRI scan provides doctors with clear images of your heart to help diagnose heart conditions.
• Arrhythmia Screening: It's a way to find potential heart rhythm problems early on, before symptoms arise.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Ann Tong. 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. Ann Tong:

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 team of cardiologists provides expert care for a wide range of heart conditions.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ann Tong?

Your first visit with Dr. Tong will involve a detailed review of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam and electrocardiogram (EKG) are standard, and further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be recommended depending on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Ann Tong accept my insurance?

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

I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). What are the treatment options?

Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) focuses on controlling your heart rate, restoring a normal rhythm, and preventing blood clots. Options include medications, cardioversion procedures, and advanced procedures like catheter ablation. The best approach is individualized and depends on your specific situation.

What is an echocardiogram?

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

I have a family history of heart disease. How can I be proactive?

We commend you for being proactive about your heart health. A preventive cardiology consultation with Dr. Tong involves a comprehensive risk assessment, potentially including advanced lipid testing, and the creation of a personalized plan to address diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors to minimize your future risk.

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 stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity. It involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while connected to an EKG machine. This helps diagnose coronary artery disease and assess your heart's function under stress.