Umberto (Gary) Fontana, MD, FACC

Cardiologist | Interventional Cardiology

4/5(13)

709 N JUSTICE ST STE A HENDERSONVILLE NC, 28791 Show map

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4/5

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About

Dr. Umberto (Gary) Fontana is a cardiologist practicing in HENDERSONVILLE, NC. Dr. Fontana specializes in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. These conditions include heart attacks, heart murmurs, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Dr. Fontana also practices preventative medicine, helping patients maintain a heart-healthy life.

Education and Training

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine 1987

Board Certification

Cardiovascular Disease (Internal Medicine)

American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)

Provider Details

Male Italian

Umberto (Gary) Fontana, MD, FACC

Umberto (Gary) Fontana, MD, FACC's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How can I recover from COVID heart inflammation?
Definitive diagnosis of COVID related myocarditis is made by biopsy recovery of the viral genome. This is rarely done. A presumptive diagnosis based on heart dysfunction, elevated enzymes (a sign of inflammation), a positive COVID test and ruling out other causes (coronary artery disease). Cardiac MRI can be suggestive of inflammation of the heart suggestive of myocarditis but implicating COVID directly is difficult since 25% of patients with COVID have coinfection with other viruses. The literature quoted incidence of myocarditis with COVID of 7% is likely an overestimate. Whatever the cause, myocarditis is treated with medicines that support blood pressure, and mechanical support in extreme cases. Heart failure meds (ACE inhibitors, beta blocker, etc) are used for persistent heart dysfunction. The prognosis for COVID myocarditis is not known but other viral myocarditis prognosis is usually good with 3-5 yr survival ranging from 56-83%. Improvement in pump function occurs in 50-57% of patients with persistent heart dysfunction seen in 14-52%. Follow up is generally with an echocardiogram to assess recovery of heart function. READ MORE
Does lemon juice clean your arteries?
Lemons contain about 31 G of Vitamin C which can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease with regular consumption. Lemons contain a high level of dietary fiber which can reduce LDL cholesterol which is associated with hardening of the arteries. READ MORE
Does heart arrhythmia make you tired?
Like a car that is out of tune, an irregular heart rhythm can reduce cardiac output and make you feel tired. They can also lead to heart dysfunction which can make you feel tired. Typical arrhythmias that are associated with fatigue include Atrial fibrillation and frequent PVC's. READ MORE
What vitamin is good for heart palpitations?
Several supplements have been touted to treat arrhythmias including L carnitine, Hawthorn, Cod liver oil, lily of the valley, Rhodiola and Pheasant's eye with insufficient evidence to support theses claims. Magnesium however is probably effective. One study suggest that Coenzyme Q 10 in patients with heart failure had fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation. READ MORE
How long can you live with heart blockage?
The prognosis or outlook of a coronary artery narrowing depends on the severity of the narrowing, the location or amount of muscle in jeopardy, the severity of symptoms and cardiac pump function. If the blockage is less than 70% you will likely not have any symptoms. Mild blockages can result in heart attacks due to plaque rupture, in fact, 60% of all MI's are due to blockages less than 50%. It is important even if the blockages were mild and you have no symptoms to be on meds to prevent heart attacks (aspirin and statin) and control risk factors (smoking, diabetes, limit fat intake, maintain an ideal body weight, and control BP). READ MORE
14 year old with myocarditis?
There is no specific therapy for the myocarditis that had been accepted therapy that has improved outcomes. Treatment is supportive treating for heart failure and chest pain with ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics and no steroidals. READ MORE
Why does my heart beat so fast when I wake up?
Palpitations in the morning may be indicative of a medical condition such as anemia, dehydration, or a sleep disorder. It occurs if you drink alcohol or eat sugar or caffeine before retiring. Screening labs and physical exam and review of systems by your PCP is a good start. READ MORE
What foods to eat if you have arrhythmia?
Foods that promote general cardiovascular health include: healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids such as in fatty fish, avocados, and olive oil. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins minerals and antioxidants. Plant-based diets may reduce risk factors for afib like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Low magnesium and potassium can arrhythmias. Foods high in magnesium include nuts, avocados, spinach, whole grains, and yogurt. Foods high in potassium include bananas, oranges, apricots, sweet potatoes, beets, tomatoes, prunes, and squash. READ MORE
Does COVID-19 disease cause high blood pressure?
Covid-19 attacks the body via the angiotensin receptor. This results in a down regulation of the receptor and an increase in angiotensin, which can raise BP. 56% of patients with severe Covid infection had hypertension. With resolution of the Covid infection, this should theoretically improve. READ MORE
When should you see a cardiologist for high blood pressure?
There are a lot of medical conditions that are treated either by primary care practitioners (internists or family practice doctors) or specialists. A lot of who manages the condition is based on expertise. Hypertension is one of those conditions. In general, if there is a primary cardiac condition like angina (coronary artery disease) or heart failure the choice of antihypertensive meds and doses are dictated by the cardiologist. Suffice it to say though, blood meds are adjust by both primary care doctors and specialists and we communicate the rationale for any change in meds. READ MORE
Can high blood pressure go back to normal?
There are reversible causes of hypertension: increased salt intake, weight gain, stress, pain, meds like Sudafed. Conditions like sleep apnea can cause hypertension. Elevated blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart failure, kidney failure, coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease. It is recommended to keep BP < 140/90. READ MORE
How can one tell if they have a faulty pacemaker?
Modern pacemakers have a telemetry device that allows instantaneous assessments send to your doctor. The pacemaker is usually checked in the office 1-2 times a year. READ MORE
Is rapid heartbeat normal after COVID?
Covid can cause diffuse severe inflammation of the heart and cause a cardiomyopathy due to myocarditis or focal inflammation leading to arrhythmias (irregular rhythms). I would recommend seeing your primary and getting an EKG, a heart monitor and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) READ MORE
Vaccine safety?
Epi pens are used to treat anaphylaxis. That is a life threatening condition due to a severe immune reaction to something. Mitral valve prolapse is a floppy valve with elongated chords holding it in place. Epi causes your heart to beat faster and more forcefully. Theoretically it could put more stress on the valve but it you need to use an Epi pen that should be the least of your worries. READ MORE
What can cause my chest pain and pressure?
The short answer is probably. The likelihood of coronary artery disease depends on your age and risk factors and when the pains occur and the quality of the pain. Classic heart pain is a supply and demand problem and made worse with activity and relieved with rest. It is a pressure or fullness. It is usually not sharp or burning. Angina or heart pain is potentially life threatening. There are other conditions like esophageal spasm, reflux, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, aneurysms all can cause chest pain that may also need treatment. READ MORE
How can I reduce tachycardia naturally?
Potassium and magnesium have some anti arrhythmic properties. Avoidance of stimulants such as caffeine is helpful in some patients. There is a comprehensive review of supplements used in traditionally Eastern medicine (Biomed Research International 4/2017) which documents the published literature on compounds like Beriberine, Ginkgolide, Omega 3 FA, Resveratrol and there is documented suppression of arrhythmias. There are also the potential for pro arrhythmias i.e. potential for causing worsening (sometimes fatal). The products commercially available are of different potencies depending on the manufacturer. When Cardioligists titrate traditional anti arrhythmic, medicines we will check drug levels and EKGs, initially on a daily basis. I would discourage the use of these products unless they are produced by a reputable, preferably American based company and with proper medical supervision (i.e EKG and rhythm monitoring). Hope that was helpful! READ MORE
Chest X-ray result?
As a rule, the heart fills about 1/2 the total lung space (cardiothoracic ratio is normally 0.5). Magnification can alter this measurement. It is a rough estimate but if there is a suspicion for an enlarged heart (hypertension, heart failure, etc) an echocardiogram accurately assesses the heart dimensions. Hope that helped! READ MORE
What vitamins help tachycardia?
Atrial arrhythmias May be exacerbated by electrolyte abnormalities such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. It is reasonable to supplement with Mg and K unless you have kidney disease. READ MORE
Does having congenital heart disease mean I am at high risk of getting COVID?
“Heart disease” is a risk factor for severity of Covid illness. However, it was unclear whether congenital heart disease was or not. In a retrospective study published is the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 12/2020, 1044 patients who had various forms of congenital heart disease and contracted Covid. The study concluded that patients who were the most symptomatic (shortness of breath and exercise intolerance) and those that had cyanosis (shunting of blood from the right side to the left because of high pulmonary pressures) had the highest mortality of 2.3%. This is in comparison to an overall US mortality of about 0.7%. Hope this was helpful! READ MORE
Supraventricular Tarchycardia?
SVT can be triggered by exercise, stress and lack of sleep. It is conceivable that people who are claustrophobic might be under higher stress triggering SVT. Other triggers stimulants, alcohol, meds (thyroid meds, bronchodilators, etc). Hope this was helpful! READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Interventional cardiologyCardiology

Faculty Titles & Positions

Ex Director of Cardiac Rehab Northeast Medical Center 1994 - 2001
Ex Director of Echocardiography Vidant Cardiolgy 2001 - Present

Awards

Just Say Yes 2016 Vidant Medical Center
Top Doctors 2021 Top Doctors

Treatments

Heart Disease
Heart Failure
Coronary Artery Disease (cad)
Pain
Vascular Disease

Professional Memberships

American College of Cardiology

Fellowships

Medical University of South Carolina

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Ex American Heart Association President Cabarrus County

Treatments

Coronary artery disease, hypertension, arrhythmias, syncope.

Internships

Cardiology

Fellowships

Interventional Cardiology

Professional Society Memberships

American College of Cardiology

Awards

Just say yes award, Top doctors North Carolina

Hobbies / Sports

Playing guitar, tennis

Umberto (Gary) Fontana, MD, FACC's Practice location

709 N JUSTICE ST STE A -
HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28791

Get Direction

New patients: 828-697-7377

Fax: 828-697-7380

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

Umberto (Gary) Fontana, MD, FACC's reviews

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Patient Experience with Dr. Fontana

4.0

Based on 13 reviews

Umberto (Gary) Fontana, MD, FACC has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 13 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Cardiologist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiologist Dr. Umberto Gary Fontana, who serves patients in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

A highly trained cardiologist, Dr. Fontana is an attending physician at Pardee Cardiology Associates, an affiliate of Pardee UNC Health Care. He also holds privileges at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

In practice for over 25 years, he focuses on providing compassionate and competent care to his patients. His areas of special interest include interventional cardiology, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia.

At Pardee UNC Health Care, patients will find a multitude of comprehensive heart and vascular services to ensure that they get the best possible results, from diagnostic testing and minimally invasive procedures, to vascular emergency surgery. Their diverse cardiology team is led by physicians and surgeons with nationally recognized backgrounds. The continued growth of their cardiology team is part of their commitment to bringing their community the care they deserve, close to home.

The doctor’s acclaimed career in medicine began after he earned his medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his internship, residency, and fellowship training at the Medical University of South Carolina.

An expert in his field, Dr. Fontana is board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

Achieving fellowship status, he is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC).

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of the heart, as well as some parts of the circulatory system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Cardiologists are doctors who diagnose, assess, and treat patients with diseases and defects of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system).

In his leisure time, Dr. Fontana enjoys playing music (guitar) and singing in a local band. He exercises on a daily basis and especially loves playing tennis.