Matthew Smolin

Jose A. Perez, MD, FACC, FACA is Board Certified in Cardiology and practices with South Texas Cardiovascular Consultants. Dr. Perez's interest in cardiology took root in his teenage years when, as a high school student in San Antonio, he had the unusual opportunity to work with cardiologists at Brooks Air Force Base in the Aerospace School of Medicine. Cardiology soon became his consuming passion and calling in life. Today, Dr. Perez is particularly interested in the ever-evolving field of Interventional Cardiology. In addition to treating blockages of coronary arteries, Dr. Perez also utilizes balloons and stents to open blocked arteries and improve circulation to the legs, kidneys, carotids and other peripheral arteries. His expertise in interventional procedures has also expanded into the area of structural heart disease where, with the same technology used for opening blocked arteries, heart defects like patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defects and valve defects can be repaired with a minimally-invasive, percutaneous procedure. Despite the promise and the hope for improved quality of life that these therapies offer, Dr. Perez cautions his patients that a successful intervention does not mean that they are healed. "Atherosclerosis is generally an ongoing, chronic process. It demands very close attention and follow-up. Future treatment will usually be necessary, whether it is for the same blockage area or a new one, but modifying your risk factors can have a significant effect on the progression of atherosclerosis and the eventual recurrence of blockages."

Renata Ford PA is a leading medical practice in San Antonio, TX, specializing in robotic and conventional cardiothoracic surgery. With a commitment to compassionate care and medical excellence, their team of heart surgeons is dedicated to treating the whole patient before, during, and after surgery, aiming to optimize results and improve quality of life. Renata Ford PA offers a wide range of procedures, including da Vinci cardiac procedures, such as coronary bypass surgery and mitral valve repair surgery, as well as heart valve surgery and arrhythmia surgery. They specialize in treating conditions such as coronary artery disease, valvular disease, aortic disease, atrial fibrillation, and atrial septal defects, and are affiliated with various hospitals in the San Antonio area.Generated from the website

Jacqueline Schwartz, MD is a board certified Cardiac Electrophysiologist who practices with South Texas Cardiovascular Consultants. She believes there are four pillars to comprehensive patient care: education, empowerment, a team approach and a personalized plan. Patients need to be educated about their disease process and feel informed and confident about the care choices we make together, Dr. Schwartz says.