Dr. James O'Meara, MD

About Dr. James O'Meara, MD

Dr. James O'Meara, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at The Cardiac & Vascular Institute – Gainesville/8th Avenue in Gainesville, 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). Dr. O'Meara's focus is on providing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for all ages. He is currently welcoming new patients; please call (850) 347-0528 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. O'Meara, an Interventional Cardiologist at The Cardiac & Vascular Institute, brings over 35 years of experience in Cardiovascular care to his practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1988 and completed his internship and residency training at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Further specializing in Interventional Cardiology, he pursued fellowship training at the University of North Carolina, which included a Medical Informatics and Decision Making Fellowship. Dr. O'Meara is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds specialty certificates from the American Board of Internal Medicine. His dedication to compassionate care, coupled with his extensive training and experience, has made him a trusted resource in the Gainesville community.

The Cardiac & Vascular Institute's philosophy of comprehensive and compassionate care, coupled with Dr. O'Meara's extensive experience and expertise, aligns perfectly with the institute's longstanding commitment to providing exceptional cardiovascular care for all ages. He is a member of a team of board-certified physicians and clinical professionals, leveraging the latest cardiovascular technology, to deliver consistent, exceptional, and evidence-based care. Dr. James O'Meara provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. James O'Meara addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: Some people are born with an aortic valve that doesn't work correctly, leading to a condition called a congenital aortic valve disorder.
• Heart Murmur: A heart murmur is an extra sound heard during a heartbeat that may or may not be a cause for concern.
• Nonrheumatic Mitral Stenosis: A condition called nonrheumatic mitral stenosis affects the heart's mitral valve, causing it to narrow and impede blood flow effectively.
• Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is a heart rhythm problem where the upper chambers of your heart beat too fast and irregularly.
• Sinus Tachycardia: A rapid heartbeat, originating from the heart's natural pacemaker, is the hallmark of sinus tachycardia.
• Thrombosis: A thrombus, or blood clot, can occur in veins or arteries, potentially causing serious health problems.
• Hypokalemia: Low potassium levels can affect your heart's rhythm and muscle function.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of your arteries due to a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances.
• Hypotension: Hypotension is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure.
• Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a type of rapid heartbeat that starts in the upper chambers of the heart and comes and goes suddenly.
• Unstable Angina: Unstable angina is a critical condition where reduced blood flow to the heart causes chest discomfort that fluctuates and requires immediate medical attention.
• Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease encompasses conditions where the valve between the heart's upper and lower left chambers malfunctions, hindering efficient blood circulation.

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

• Cholesterol Screening: This service helps check your cholesterol levels to assess your heart health.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: A painless procedure, Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography employs ultrasound and plethysmography to evaluate blood vessel health and identify potential blockages.
• Balloon Angioplasty: This procedure helps open up blood vessels supplying the heart, relieving chest pain and improving heart function.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your heart and its structures.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): During a cardiac catheterization, doctors can visualize your heart's blood vessels to diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease.
• Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: A thin wire was inserted into the left pumping chamber of my heart to work with my pacemaker or defibrillator.
• Arterial Duplex Ultrasound: This painless test uses sound waves to produce images of your arteries, allowing doctors to evaluate their health and identify any abnormalities.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging provides detailed images of your heart to help diagnose problems such as blockages or heart valve issues.
• Cardioversion: A cardioversion procedure uses electricity to convert an abnormal heart rhythm back to a normal, steady beat.
• Thrombolysis: Thrombolysis is a time-sensitive medical intervention to quickly dissolve blood clots and prevent serious damage from a blocked artery.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: A pharmacologic nuclear stress test uses medication and a radioactive tracer to show how well your heart works during exercise.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: The pacemaker or defibrillator device was surgically removed and possibly replaced with a new one.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. James O'Meara. 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. James O'Meara:

What is a Cardiologist?

Dr. O'Meara and our team are cardiologists, meaning we are medical doctors specializing in the heart and blood vessels. We diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. James O'Meara?

Your first visit with Dr. O'Meara will include a detailed discussion of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam and electrocardiogram (EKG) are typical parts of the visit. Further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be recommended based on your individual needs.

Does Dr. James O'Meara accept my insurance?

Dr. O'Meara's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm your specific coverage for consultations and procedures, please call our office directly with your insurance information.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

Treatment for high cholesterol often starts with dietary changes and increased physical activity. If lifestyle modifications aren't sufficient, Dr. O'Meara may prescribe medications like statins to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

How does Dr. James O'Meara treat heart valve disease?

Dr. O'Meara's approach to heart valve disease varies depending on the severity. Mild cases may be managed with regular monitoring and medication. For more serious cases, he coordinates care with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist for procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR).

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. O'Meara will involve a thorough risk assessment, advanced lipid testing if necessary, and the creation of a personalized plan for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to minimize your future risk.

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 techniques like catheter ablation. The best approach is tailored to your individual situation.

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 exertion.