
Dana Weisshaar, MD, FACC
Cardiologist | Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
2557 Samaritan Drive 845 San Jose CA, 95124About
Dr. Dana Weisshaar is a heart failure and transplant cardiologist who recently retired from The Permanente Medical Group after over two decades of practice within Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Dr. Weisshaar specializes in the care of patients with heart failure, cardiomyopathy and amyloid heart disease as well as those who have received a heart transplant.
In additon to being a dedicated clinician, Dr. Weisshaar is a passionate educator. She teaches physcians, nurses, allied health professionals, patients and students.
Education and Training
The Ohio State University BS 1985
Medical College of Ohio MD 1989
Board Certification
American Board of Internal Medicine
Cardiovascular Disease (Internal Medicine)
Provider Details

Dana Weisshaar, MD, FACC's Expert Contributions
Myxomatous Mitral Valve
Thanks for asking. I agree with your doctor. Your symptoms are likely not related to your myxomatous valve which has only trace regurgitation. It will be appropriate for you to get a follow-up echocardiogram every 3-5 years. As you get older the mitral valve may degenerate and require intervention. Good blood pressure control may help slow the progression. Be well. READ MORE
Cardiac arrest and brain function
I am so sorry to hear about your girlfriend's cardiac arrest. That must have been extremely traumatic for you. By providing chest compressions during those precious minutes before EMS arrived you have given her brain the best chance of recovery. Unfortunately, only time will tell how much brain recovery. 48 hours is still early. Hang in there. I'm praying for her recovery. READ MORE
Is sex safe for me if I have heart failure and heart palpitations
Yes. Absolutely. Sex is safe for patients with heart failure and palpitations. In fact, you can think of it as a form of exercise. Cardiovascular exercise (in which your heart rate goes up) is great for general heart health as well as for anxiety. READ MORE
How long will I have to follow diet restrictions after heart stent surgery?
After receiving a stent for coronary artery disease, it is advisable to modify your diet life-long. Doing so can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and need for additional stent procedures. A plant based whole food (not processed) diet is the healthiest choice. Not everyone can stick to a strict plant-based (Vegan) diet for life. So, I recommend trying to increase daily intake of vegetables, reduce animal products (specifically limiting beef & pork to 1-2 servings per month) and minimize eating fried foods. Be well. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineClinical Trials
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Professor KP Santa Clara, Institute of Medical Educators 2022 - Present
- NCAL Hub Medicai Director KP National Transplant Services 2017 - 2023
- Chief, Heat Failure/Transplant Department KP Santa Clara 2007 - 2017
- Associate Professor, affiliate Stanford Medical Center 2017 - 2023
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist Empallo Medical Group - Present
- Professor of Medicine and Cardiology California Northstate University College of Medicine 2024 - Present
Awards
- Hicks Williams Community Service Award 2015 Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara
- Three Best Rated Cardiologists in Santa Clara CA 2021 Top Docs
- Top Cardiologist in Santa Clara, CA 2023 Best In California Magazine
Treatments
- Heart Disease
- Heart Failure
- Cardiomyopathy
Professional Memberships
- International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation
- American Heart Association
- American College of Cardiology
Fellowships
- California Pacific Medical Center Cardiovascular Disease and Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant 1997
Areas of research
Heart Failure
Amyloid Heart Disease
Heart Transplant for Amyloid Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy
Heart Transplant Rejection
Skin Cancer in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
COVID Infection among Heart and Lung Transplant Recipients
Dana Weisshaar, MD, FACC's Practice location
Mohammed S Qayyum MD, Inc
2557 Samaritan Drive 845 -San Jose, CA 95124Get Direction
Empallo Medical Group, P.A.
160 Cambridgepark Dr. 112 -Cambridgepark, MA 02140Get Direction
Retired in 2023 from Kaiser Permanente
710 Lawrence Expressway 342 -Santa Clara, CA 95051Get Direction
Dana Weisshaar, MD, FACC's reviews
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Get to know Cardiologist Dr. Dana Weisshaar, who served patients in California.
Dr. Weisshaar is an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist. She provides telehealth heart failure care with Empallo Medical Group and in-person visits with Mohammed S Qayyum, MD Inc and Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, CA.
She is retired from Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center, where she had been serving as Chief/Medical Director of KPNC Heart Transplant Service for over two decades. Her areas of expertise include cardiac amyloidosis, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, heart transplant and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
A passionate educator, Dr. Weisshaar teaches physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, patients and students. She is a Professor of Medicine and Cardiology at California Northstate University College of Medicine where she teaches medical students. .
Graduating with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from The Ohio State University in 1985, Dr. Weisshaar went on to earn her Medical Degree from the Medical College of Ohio in 1989.
Furthering her training, she completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Toledo in 1992, followed by fellowships in Cardiovascular Disease and Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant at California Pacific Medical Center in 1996 & 1997.
Board certified in cardiovascular disease and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, Dr. Weisshaar is a Diplomate of 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.
Dedicated to excellence in heart health, she is an active member of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation.
Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of the heart, as well as 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).
Attributing her success to teamwork, Dr. Weisshaar feels she has been blessed to work with outstanding colleagues and support personnel throughout her career. “The ‘secret sauce’ to outstanding patient care is to meet patients where they are and guide them with love and compassion through their journey.”
Among her various accolades include Hicks Williams Community Service Award - 2015 Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara; Three Best Rated Cardiologists in Santa Clara, California - 2021 Top Docs; and Top Cardiologist in Santa Clara, California - 2023 Best In California Magazine.
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Nearest Hospitals
KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITAL-SANTA CLARAl
700 LAWRENCE EXPRESSWAY SANTA CLARA CA 95051