Jacob Cameron Hartz, MD

Pediatrics, particularly preventive pediatric cardiology, allows me to work with patients and their families over the course of many years. I value building strong relationships with patients and our community. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The early identification and management of cardiovascular disease present unparalleled opportunities to reduce this burden.

I am board certified in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology, and I’m the director of preventive cardiology at Atrium Health in the Greater Charlotte region.

I specialize in:

• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia (cholesterol disorders)
• Secondary dyslipidemia
• Monogenetic lipid disorders, such as sitosterolemia

I have held grants from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and have been the primary investigator in clinical trials for novel lipid lowering therapies.

My research focuses on:

• Homozygous familial high cholesterol
• Medication adherence
• Diet and physical activity
• Social determinants of health

I’m particularly interested in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through behavior modification. I also enjoy working with patients who have rare genetic disorders, such as hypobetalipoproteinemia (a disorder that impairs the body’s ability to absorb and transport fats) and sitosterolemia.

I have served on national committees for the American Heart Association and have authored international guidelines.

I received my bachelor’s degree at Emory University, my medical degree at the University of New Mexico and my master’s degree in public health at Columbia University. I completed residency in categorical pediatrics at Duke University, followed by a pediatric cardiology fellowship at Children’s National Hospital and a preventive pediatric cardiology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. Before coming to Charlotte, I served as the director of preventive cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital for 5 years.

My wife and I have two children and a wonderful goldendoodle named Olive. I love spending time with family, especially when we’re eating meals together. I’m a foodie, and I also love to play tennis.