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Lee Health Heart Institute

Trust Your Heart to Lee Health

4.8 out of 5 stars (14864 ratings, 6528 comments)

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Heart Institute - Dr. Eskender with Patient

The Largest Heart Program in Southwest Florida

At Lee Health, you have everything you need to take care of your heart health. Our expert cardiovascular team is the largest and most experienced in Southwest Florida. No matter where you are in your health care journey, our experts are alongside you every step of the way. Lee Health Heart Institute includes primary and specialty care, nationally ranked hospitals, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, cardiac rehabilitation and more—all in a safe and comforting environment. We’re ready to help you stay active, engaged and prepared to enjoy the important things in life.

The Lee Health Heart Institute is nationally recognized for excellence in cardiovascular care. HealthPark Medical Center has been recognized as a PINC AI™ I Fortune 50 Top Cardiology Hospital™ in the country — and 1 of only 6 hospitals recognized in Florida and the only hospital in Southwest Florida — underscoring Lee Health’s commitment to exceptional cardiovascular care and medical excellence in the region. The Lee Health Heart Institute ranks 9th in the nation and top 3 in Florida through its PINC designation. Our dedication to advancing heart health is evident through ongoing clinical trials, published research, and 11 abstracts presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions. We’re also proud to celebrate Dr. Malissa Wood, our Vice President and Chief Physician Executive, who will receive the 2025 Bernadine Healy Leadership in Women’s Cardiovascular Disease Award at the 2025 ACC conference.

Heart Institute Locations Near You

The Heart Institute incorporates cardiovascular services, cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery. Locate Lee Health Heart Institute clinics near you for convenient locations including experienced cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and more. Dedicated cardiovascular health to patients located minutes from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Lehigh Acres, Estero, and Bonita Springs.

Heart Institute Quality and Safety

Your Heart, Our Commitment

At The Heart Institute, our unwavering commitment to you, our patients, is reflected in our focus on quality and safety. Our goal is to enhance the quality and safety of your cardiovascular care, offering you access to the best minds in the field while delivering compassionate, expert care in Southwest Florida. We are here to ensure your journey to heart health is marked by trust, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to your well-being.

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Heart Institute Quality and Safety

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Complete Cardiac Care from Diagnosis to Recovery

Experience comprehensive cardiac care at the Lee Health Heart Institute. From heart and blood tests to advanced cardiac imaging, artery health, hospital care, and cardiac rehabilitation, we strive to ensure optimal heart health at every stage of your life.

The Commitment to Our Community

No matter where you are in your care journey – diagnosis, treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, Lee Health Heart has everything you need. With a strong commitment to our community, there is no need to go elsewhere for care.

Cardiac Hospital Care
Physician explaining care to patient
Cardiac Critical Care
Critical cardiac care patient
Cardiac Imaging
Doctor pointing at medical screen
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehab
Heart Tests
Patient with heart monitoring technology

Prevention & Education Resources

Stay ahead of heart problems by educating yourself on risk factors, terminology, support resources, and prevention techniques. Empower yourself with knowledge to safeguard your heart health and lead a healthier life.

Specialized Cardiac Clinics

  • The Heart Valve Center is the first of its kind in SWFL bringing together the expertise of the Shipley Cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists to provide traditional, minimally invasive and transcatheter treatment for valve disease. The highlight of the valve center is the weekly conference where a multidisciplinary panel of experts come together to make recommendations for the management of a patient’s valve disease.

  • The Rapid Diuresis Clinic is a specialized outpatient treatment option for cardiac patients with heart failure or volume overload.

  • This clinic specializes in cardiac patients recently discharged from the hospital who need to receive follow-up medical care. The Lee Health Heart and Vascular Institute Heart Care Transition team is located in Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

  • At the Cardiac Device Clinic, we have a dedicated team of highly specialized staff experts in managing implanted cardiac devices, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and implantable loop recorders.

  • Our team of leading cardiologists and oncologists collaborate to provide cardiovascular care to patients with cancer who have, or are at risk for, heart disease.

We're Here to Help!

Whether you have questions about an upcoming event, a cardiovascular procedure, or are interested in supporting the Lee Health Heart Institute or Shipley Cardiovascular Center through a donation, we're here to help! Complete this form to learn about the Lee Health Heart Institute, and a member of our team will contact you within 2 business days.

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Frequently Asked Questions By New Patients

Lee Health offers patients a secure, online way to access medical records. Patients can log into MyChart to access results. You also have the ability to go to any hospital and obtain a paper copy of your medical records at the release of medical information desk.  

Yes, you do need a referral for a cardiothoracic surgeon or cardiology specialist.  You cannot make an appointment through MyChart, please call the physicians office to make an appointment. Once you have had your initial appointment, you can make follow up appointments through MyChart.

Any time you have a significant heart or related condition, you may require the attention of a cardiologist. Their skills and training are required for decisions about heart catheterization, balloon angioplasty, heart surgery and other procedures.

Your cardiologist will review your medical history and perform a physical examination which may include checking your blood pressure, weight, heart, lungs and blood vessels. While some problems may be diagnosed from this examination, your cardiologist may order an ECG, x-ray or blood tests. In addition, an ambulatory ECG, echocardiogram, exercise test, heart catheterization and/or nuclear imaging may be required.

If your general doctor or cardiologist feels that surgery may be the best treatment for your heart condition and medication alone will not be enough, then you will be referred to a cardiac surgeon for further evaluation. The surgeon will review your medical records and tests, especially the heart catheterization results, if bypass, cardiac valve or heart surgery for a congenital defect is being considered. The cardiac surgeon will then discuss your case with you and your doctors, to give further advice about the risks and benefits of surgery.

Cardiac surgeons perform many operations in our hospitals, including - coronary artery bypass, heart rhythm surgery, valve replacement or repairs, and repairs of complex heart problems present from birth (congenital heart disease). They also are qualified to operate on organs other than the heart, such as the lungs, esophagus and blood vessels.

Cardiothoracic Surgeons generally perform surgery of the heart and chest. Cardiologists work with surgeons to manage patients and determine whether the patient needs surgery. They might also work together to treat irregular heart beat problems.

Interested in learning more about our cardiovascular program?

Stay up-to-date with the latest insights into cardiovascular discussions through our engaging podcast and informative videos. Discover a wealth of knowledge from our expert cardiologists, covering a wide range of heart health topics. Listen in or watch now below!

Ratings and Reviews

The following ratings and reviews are based on verified feedback collected from independently administered patient experience surveys. The ratings and comments submitted by patients reflect their own views and opinions.

Please see our FAQ page for more information.

  • 4.8out of 5 stars

    Explained Things Clearly

  • 4.8out of 5 stars

    Involved in Care Decisions

  • 4.8out of 5 stars

    Spent Enough Time

  • 4.8out of 5 stars

    Listened Carefully

  • 4.9out of 5 stars

    Showed Courtesy & Respect

  • 4.8out of 5 stars

    Likelihood to Recommend

4.8 out of 5 (14864 ratings, 6528 comments)

  • Mar 21, 2025

    She is amazing listens and cares about her patience

  • Mar 21, 2025

    Una maravillosa experiencia todo el personal es muy atento incluyendo a los doctores

  • Mar 20, 2025

    Excellent experience. Very patient and professional, not in a rush. Explains, listens.

  • Mar 20, 2025

    So friendly & personable. Listens and is very helpful.

  • Mar 19, 2025

    Attentive informative never seems rushed she really pays attention and cares .

  • Mar 18, 2025

    Great meeting. I will return to this group if needed in the future.

  • Mar 16, 2025

    Excellent professional

  • Mar 16, 2025

    One of the best medical teams I’ve met. Dr. Quevedo is amazing!

  • Mar 15, 2025

    Friendly and very informative of treatment. Great doctor who takes time to explain your treatment.

  • Mar 15, 2025

    So caring and patient. A lovely person and skilled practitioner.

  • Mar 14, 2025

    Very comfortable and relaxed.

  • Mar 14, 2025

    Dr. Hughes was very professional. He was patient & answered all my questions. He was thorough & explained everything in layman’s terms. I would recommend Dr. Hughes to anyone looking for a great cardiac doctor. On a scale from 1 to 10 I’d give him a 10+.

  • Mar 12, 2025

    I always feel that I have been heard when I leave the Doc’s office

  • Mar 12, 2025

    All very caring and helpful.

  • Mar 12, 2025

    Quick, thorough, and helpful.

  • Mar 12, 2025

    Patient and thorough in explaining conditions and recommendations for her treatment

  • Mar 11, 2025

    Outstanding cardiologist who cares for his patients and takes the time cover all aspects of care. Top tier!

  • Mar 10, 2025

    Dr Vatthyam is my favorite doctor. He's an excellent doctor who takes time to listen to his patients and he is very knowledgeable. I've known him since 8 years ago when I met him in surgery. He literally saved my life.

  • Mar 10, 2025

    Dr.DeFrain was excellent. He took plenty of time explaining my condition and answered all of my questions. I had a little bit of a wait to see him. It sounded like he had an emergency surgery. He apologized both at the beginning and end of my visit for the del ay. When have you had a doctor apologize for a wait?

  • Mar 10, 2025

    Dr V took the time to listen and explain the reasons for my visit. In today’s medicine that is all too rare. Glad he is part of the team looking after my health.

Verified Ratings and Reviews Powered by Ratings.MD

Donate to the Lee Health Heart Institute

Because of your philanthropy, we can ensure that every heart in our community has access to state-of-the-art, specialized care for treating and preventing heart disease. Your generous support helps us recruit top-tier cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and nurses, as well as expand and develop quality programs and fund groundbreaking research that will extend and save lives throughout Southwest Florida and beyond.

Give Back Today!

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