Transforming Cardiology Through Virtual Innovation

Dr. Jeffrey Wessler, founder and CEO of Heartbeat Health, has reimagined how cardiology is delivered in the U.S. Founded eight years ago, Heartbeat Health functions as a virtual cardiology practice, providing access to high-quality care across all 50 states. Designed for risk-bearing and value-based care organizations, it aims to bring cardiovascular care to those who need it most—before critical events like heart attacks occur.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Pivots

The journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Wessler recounts multiple major pivots in Heartbeat’s evolution. The original model, based on a tech-enabled brick-and-mortar clinic in New York, catered more to the “health trend” crowd than to those with serious heart conditions. Realizing they weren’t achieving deep clinical impact, Wessler led the shift toward targeting populations with actual cardiovascular disease—a decision rooted in humility and long-term vision.

Building for Impact, Not Just Growth

While early iterations focused on convenience and modernity, true fulfillment came from stories of real patient transformations. As Heartbeat Health grew, so did its ability to make a tangible difference. Today, the company has cared for over a million patients, proving that scalable, virtual care can drive real health outcomes.

The Future of Cardiology: Implementation Over Invention

Wessler points to a stark gap between medical advances and their real-world implementation. Many heart failure treatments are vastly underused, despite being proven effective. The next frontier, he asserts, is not discovering new therapies—but ensuring existing ones reach patients at scale. For cardiology, the focus is shifting to implementation science.

Advice for Clinicians Entering Tech

For practicing clinicians eager to cross into the tech world, Wessler’s advice is simple: reach out. Whether for advisory roles or deeper involvement, healthcare startups are eager for clinical insight. He notes that many of Heartbeat’s own team members joined through cold outreach, motivated by a shared mission to innovate and improve care.

What’s Next for Heartbeat Health

Currently in an “execution phase,” Heartbeat Health is focused on quality delivery and studying outcomes to validate their care model. For Wessler, success means not just operating a viable business—but proving, with data, that their virtual cardiology approach genuinely improves patient lives.