Dr. James O'Meara, MD is a Cardiology specialist at The Cardiac & Vascular Institute Gainesville/8th Avenue in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive cardiovascular care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. O'Meara understands the unique needs of individuals 65 years and older. General cardiologists provide expert diagnosis and management of complex heart conditions common in older adults, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, personalized care. He is currently welcoming new patients and they should call (850) 347-0528 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. James O'Meara, III, MD, an Interventional Cardiologist, brings over 35 years of experience to his practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1988, followed by an internship and residency in Cardiology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Further specializing in the field, he completed fellowship training in Cardiovascular Medicine and Interventional Cardiology, and a Medical Informatics and Decision Making Fellowship, all at the University of North Carolina. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. O'Meara's deep understanding of the complexities of cardiovascular health, coupled with his compassionate approach, makes him a trusted partner in the health journey of older adults. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. James O'Meara is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. O'Meara is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive cardiovascular care tailored to individual needs. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to provide expert diagnosis and management of complex heart conditions, ensuring a personalized and coordinated approach to maximize comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. James O'Meara can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Curative
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Medicare
- Premera Blue Cross
- Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. James O'Meara provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Second Degree Heart Block: With second-degree heart block, some of your heart's electrical impulses are delayed or blocked, causing irregular heartbeats; managing this with medication or a pacemaker can reduce symptoms such as fatigue and lightheadedness and help you maintain your independence.
- Sinus Tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia is a heart condition where your heart beats faster than normal, and while it can be harmless, understanding its cause and management can help you maintain your daily activities.
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart condition where an extra electrical pathway causes a rapid heartbeat, often managed with medication or procedures to improve heart rhythm and reduce symptoms like palpitations or dizziness.
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is a condition where you have too much cholesterol in your blood, increasing your risk of heart disease, but with proper diet and medication, you can keep your heart healthy and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: A congenital aortic valve problem is a birth defect affecting the heart's main outflow valve, the aortic valve; managing this can often involve regular check-ups and potentially intervention to prevent future complications and maintain independence.
- Mitral and Aortic Valve Disorder: Problems with the mitral and aortic valves in your heart can lead to shortness of breath and fatigue, but treatments like medication or valve repair/replacement can significantly improve your energy levels and quality of life.
- Resistant Hypertension: If your blood pressure stays high despite taking different medications, that's called resistant hypertension, and it requires a more specialized approach to find the right combination of medications and lifestyle changes to help keep you healthy.
- Arteriovenous Fistula: If an arteriovenous fistula becomes problematic, treatments such as medication or surgery may be necessary to restore healthy blood flow and improve overall well-being.
- Hypertensive Heart Disease: If you have persistently high blood pressure, it can weaken your heart, leading to hypertensive heart disease. Don't worrythere are effective treatments like medication and healthy habits that can help keep you active and feeling well.
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation: With mitral valve regurgitation, the heart's mitral valve leaks, allowing blood to flow backwards. Thankfully, various treatments exist, from medication to surgical options, to help manage the condition and support your ability to live a fulfilling life.
- Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: High blood pressure damaging your kidneys is known as hypertensive chronic kidney disease; this can be managed effectively with the right medical care, preserving your health and enabling you to maintain your daily activities.
- Acute Coronary Syndrome: If you experience sudden, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in your arms, jaw, or back, it might be acute coronary syndrome; seeking immediate medical help is essential for managing this condition and improving your chances of a full recovery.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. James O'Meara offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arrhythmia Screening: Arrhythmia screening helps detect irregular heartbeats, allowing for early intervention and management to prevent serious health issues.
- Angioplasty: To ensure effective management of coronary artery disease, angioplasty may be recommended to help restore blood flow to the heart, relieving symptoms and improving longevity.
- Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm, helping seniors manage irregular heartbeats and improve their overall heart health.
- Aortic Valve Surgery: This surgical intervention helps manage the symptoms associated with aortic stenosis or regurgitation, allowing seniors to remain more active and independent.
- Insertion of Left Ventricular Lead for Pacemaker or Cardioverter and Defibrillator: This procedure involves inserting a thin wire into the heart's left ventricle to improve heart rhythm and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, enhancing quality of life.
- Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This test helps your doctor understand if you have areas of your heart muscle that aren't getting enough blood, which is crucial information for deciding on the right medication or procedures.
- Peripheral Artery Catheterization: This procedure helps your doctor accurately diagnose problems in your peripheral arteries, allowing for timely intervention and the best management plan for your circulatory system health.
- Cardiac Imaging: To monitor the effectiveness of your heart treatment, your doctor may use cardiac imaging to track any changes in your hearts condition and make adjustments to your care plan, helping you stay healthy.
- Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization: A diagnostic cardiac catheterization is a procedure that helps doctors see inside your heart and blood vessels to diagnose problems like blockages or narrowed arteries, enabling them to create a personalized treatment plan.
- HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware helps you understand your heart health status by using a simple online questionnaire, assisting in conversations with your cardiologist about preventive care.
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): To effectively manage your heart condition, your cardiologist might recommend PCI to address blockages, improving heart function and reducing the risk of serious complications.
- Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your heart, helping your doctor assess its structure and function to develop the best treatment plan.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Cardiology in Florida.
Dr. James O'Meara is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With medication, a senior with second-degree heart block experienced fewer episodes of lightheadedness and fatigue, allowing them to resume their beloved weekly bridge club games.
- With the guidance of a cardiologist, a senior felt a significant reduction in their racing heart, enabling them to comfortably resume their beloved daily walks in the park.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Disease)
Here are answers to some common questions about Cardiovascular care with Dr. James O'Meara:
- What is a Cardiologist, and why might a senior need to see one?
- A cardiologist is a doctor specializing in the heart and blood vessels. Working with Dr. O'Meara, you can partner to manage your heart health as you age. Seeing a cardiologist is important if you have existing heart conditions, new symptoms like chest pain or swelling, or to manage risk factors to maintain your independence and quality of life.
- What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. James O'Meara?
- Your first visit with Dr. O'Meara will be a comprehensive and unhurried conversation about your heart health. We will review your medical history and medications, conduct a physical exam, and perform an EKG. This is the first step in creating a personalized care plan that respects your goals.
- What are the most important heart health tips for seniors?
- Maintaining a healthy heart as we age involves several key steps. Regular physical activity, like a brisk walk, helps keep your heart strong. Taking medications as prescribed and following a heart-healthy diet are vital. Knowing the warning signs of heart problems allows you to seek care promptly.
- What is a heart stent?
- A heart stent is a tiny mesh tube that acts like a scaffold to hold open a narrowed artery. It's placed during a minimally invasive procedure to restore blood flow and relieve chest pain.
- How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in older adults?
- Dr. O'Meara's practice focuses on safely managing high blood pressure in older adults, prioritizing protection of vital organs and reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack. A careful approach combines lifestyle recommendations with medication when needed to maintain long-term health and function.
- What is a pacemaker for?
- A pacemaker is a small device that helps the heart beat at a steady, regular rhythm. It can reduce symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, allowing for a more active lifestyle.
- What is a Holter monitor?
- A Holter monitor is a small, portable EKG that you wear for a day or two. It helps catch infrequent heart rhythm problems that might not show up during a regular office visit, which can help diagnose the cause of palpitations or dizziness.
- My heart valve is leaking. Does that require surgery?
- Not all leaking heart valves require surgery. Dr. O'Meara will closely monitor your condition, often with echocardiograms. Many people live well with mild or moderate valve issues, and treatment is planned only if the problem worsens.
The Cardiac & Vascular Institute - Gainesville/8th Avenue
4645 NW 8th Ave
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (850) 347-0528
Dr. James O'Meara, 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): 1902872864
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Cardiology like Dr. James O'Meara are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.