Get the Most out of Your Appointment 

At Village Heart and Vein, patients benefit from the warm personal setting and patient-driven approach.

This philosophy of quality, affordable, evidence-based care is exactly why Joel R. Garcia, MD, FACC, joined the team at Village Heart and Vein in 2023.

A board-certified cardiologist and internist, Dr. Garcia

is an expert in most cardiac imaging modalities. He focuses on general and invasive (non-interventional) cardiology and advanced heart failure.

Dr. Garcia is all about prevention and enjoys working with patients to help them create a cardiac health plan. 

He encourages his patients to come to their appointment with at least five questions.

“A lot of people don’t ask questions because they feel like they’re ‘bugging’ the doctor. I’m there to give you a service. Part of the experience is to ask questions so I can help you,” he says.

To get more out of the appointment, Dr. Garcia urges patients to prepare ahead of time. In addition to writing down any questions they might have, he recommends patients bring the following:

Testing and ultrasound of the heart are routinely used to diagnose cardiac issues.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition caused by narrowing of the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the legs or arms. Dr. Ruisi says a patient may not have symptoms unless claudication (blockage) develops. In that case, symptoms can include: