Dr. Keith Oken, MD

About Dr. Keith Oken, MD

Dr. Keith Oken, MD is a Cardiology specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular care at his Jacksonville, FL clinic. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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) 953-2000 to schedule an appointment.

With over 35 years of dedicated experience in cardiovascular care, Dr. Oken brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. A general cardiologist and consultant in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Mayo Clinic Florida, his areas of interest include echocardiography, acute coronary syndromes, cardiomyopathy, and more. He has served as a founding director of the Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship at Mayo Clinic Florida, and the immediate past president of the medical staff. Dr. Oken's career has emphasized the care of patients with acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, the clinical training of young physicians, and medical education at all stages. He earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 1985, completing residency training in Cardiology at the University of California, San Francisco and fellowship training at the University of California, San Francisco/Stanford University School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Oken is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and providing a supportive, reassuring environment for patients. Dr. Keith Oken provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Keith Oken addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Third Degree Heart Block: With third-degree heart block, the upper and lower chambers of your heart beat out of sync, potentially leading to fainting or other serious symptoms.
• Aortic Aneurysm: An aortic aneurysm can be asymptomatic, meaning it doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, but can potentially rupture.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis is a condition where the blood vessels become inflamed, potentially affecting multiple organs.
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves.
• Heart Attack (STEMI): STEMI is a serious type of heart attack where a blood clot completely blocks blood flow to a part of the heart, leading to heart muscle damage.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: It's a condition where blood pressure in the arteries leading to your lungs is abnormally high, straining your heart.
• First Degree Heart Block: First-degree heart block is a type of heart rhythm problem where the heart's electrical signals are slightly delayed, but your heart still beats regularly.
• Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells build up in the heart, causing problems with its rhythm and function.
• Ventricular Septal Defect: VSD is a birth defect where there's an opening between the heart's two lower pumping chambers.
• Sinus Bradycardia: With sinus bradycardia, the sinoatrial (SA) node, your heart's natural pacemaker, sends out fewer electrical signals than normal, leading to a slow heart rate.
• Eisenmenger: Eisenmenger syndrome is a condition where a heart defect gets worse over time, leading to high blood pressure in the lungs.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: The mitral valve in your heart controls blood flow between its upper and lower left chambers; in mitral valve stenosis, this valve is narrowed, hindering blood flow.

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

• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: Robotic assistance improves the accuracy and precision of cardiac catheterization, a procedure to diagnose and treat heart disease.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): A cardiac catheterization is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into a blood vessel to examine the heart and blood vessels.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Our minimally invasive surgery program offers advanced techniques to treat cardiovascular conditions with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid buildup around your lungs.
• Cardiac Electrophysiology: This field uses advanced techniques to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders, sometimes involving implants like pacemakers.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography are non-invasive tests using sound waves and air pressure measurements to check blood flow in your arteries and veins.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test helps doctors evaluate your heart health by observing how it works under stress.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This imaging test helps doctors see if there are any areas of your heart muscle that aren't getting enough blood.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion uses a controlled electric shock to correct an irregular heartbeat, like atrial fibrillation or flutter.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: To protect against sudden cardiac arrest, an ICD can be implanted to detect life-threatening heart rhythms and provide electrical therapy.
• Coronary Angioplasty: This service provides procedures to open narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart.
• Cardiac Imaging: Various types of cardiac imaging, such as echocardiograms and CT scans, help doctors make a diagnosis and plan treatment.

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

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. They are experts in conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Keith Oken?

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

Does Dr. Keith Oken accept my insurance?

Dr. Oken'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 difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator (ICD)?

A pacemaker treats slow heart rhythms by sending signals to regulate the heartbeat, while an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) monitors for dangerously fast heart rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm.

What does a heart failure diagnosis mean?

A heart failure diagnosis means your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should. However, this is manageable with lifestyle changes and medications. Our team will work with you to develop a plan to improve your heart function, reduce symptoms, and enhance your quality of life.

I've had fainting spells. How do you determine the cause?

Evaluating fainting involves a thorough investigation to rule out any serious cardiac causes. We use various tests, including EKGs, echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors, to identify the underlying reason and ensure your safety.

Does Dr. Keith Oken perform bypass surgery (CABG)?

Dr. Oken, as a cardiologist, diagnoses and treats coronary artery disease, including performing procedures like stenting. If bypass surgery (CABG) is determined necessary, he will refer you to a qualified cardiothoracic surgeon and work collaboratively with them.

Does a cardiologist treat blockages in leg arteries?

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