🌅❤️Heart Health

🍋 The Main Squeeze: A New Heartbeat for Fort Pierce

I’d been seeing the Anley Cardiovascular logo pop up on my socials for months—intriguing, but I didn’t know much about it. So when I got the invite to visit the clinic, I jumped at the chance. Walking in, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Turns out, neither did Dr. Ellis Christian when he first laid eyes on the place.

Before moving in, in the middle of 2023, the building had been abandoned for over a year. “The exterminator didn’t even want to come inside,” Dr. Christian told me with a laugh. But where others saw neglect, he and his wife saw potential. With hard work, persistence, and a vision rooted in service, they transformed it into the state-of-the-art facility it is today.

Why It Matters
Fort Pierce residents face an average six-month wait to see a cardiologist—a staggering delay in an area with a growing population and limited specialists. Dr. Christian and his team are determined to change that. “Heart issues are some of the scariest you can have. People shouldn’t have to wait months just to be seen,” he said.

But this clinic is about more than medicine. It’s about making care accessible, especially in underserved communities. As a Black physician and South Florida native, Dr. Christian chose Fort Pierce intentionally. “I could’ve gone to Jupiter or Boca,” he shared. “But this is where I’m needed.”

State-of-the-Art Care
Anley Cardiovascular offers advanced imaging technology and minimally invasive procedures, including a video X-ray machine that lets doctors see blood flow in real-time to treat blockages on the spot. It’s cutting-edge care designed with the community in mind.

It’s also worth noting: this may be one of the first Black-owned office-based labs in the area. (We don’t have official confirmation, but it’s a significant possibility.)

Dr. Christian brings deep expertise to the field—he’s triple board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology. His training includes a residency at the University of Chicago, a fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and a medical degree from Meharry Medical College, an HBCU in Nashville, TN.

I also had the chance to speak with Reina Christian, who plays a critical role in shaping the clinic’s presence and impact. We talked about the unique challenges and opportunities the clinic faces. “Millennials are becoming stewards of their parents’ health,” she explained. “They’re stepping in as caregivers, helping their parents navigate doctor’s visits, track symptoms, and stay on top of their health.”

Her insights highlighted something important: for this generation, heart health isn’t just about personal care—it’s also about encouraging loved ones to prioritize their own health.

And while many patients come to Anley Cardiovascular through primary care referrals, Reina emphasized that patients don’t have to wait for a referral. The clinic accepts most common insurances, making it easy to book directly and get the care you need without unnecessary delays.

A Vision for the Future
For Dr. Christian, this clinic is just the beginning. He’s not just a doctor—he’s an advocate, committed to building trust and making a difference in the lives of his patients. “This is about more than medicine. It’s about showing up for the community,” he said.

One Thing Anley Wants You to Know ❤️
Before I left Anley Cardiovascular, I asked one thing: What’s something I can tell the readers of Sunland News? Dr. Ellis Christian didn’t hesitate—“Know your numbers.” Blood pressure, cholesterol, and other key stats can help prevent serious issues before they start. Anley Cardiovascular is dedicated to making heart care more accessible, but one simple step you can take today is monitoring your blood pressure at home.

🩺 Take charge now—learn how with this resource from the American Heart Association: heart.org and follow Anley Cardiovascular for more information on preventive cardiovascular measures.