Christa Heckman, PA-C

Christa Heckman, MPAS, PA-C is an experienced Physician Assistant with nearly 20 years of expertise in cardiovascular care. She earned her undergraduate degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Since beginning her career in 2005, Christa has developed extensive clinical expertise across general cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac surgery, and structural heart disease. Christa currently provides care at St. John’s Hospital and the Fairview Maplewood Cardiology Clinic, where she sees patients for general cardiology care, pre- and post-coronary angiogram management, and consultations and follow-up care for a wide range of structural heart procedures, including TAVR, TEER/MitraClip, Watchman (LAAC), and PFO/ASD closure. Since transitioning to Structural Cardiology in 2017, she has become a recognized leader in the field and currently serves as the lead APP for the East Region Structural Heart Team, helping advance innovative cardiac care and support exceptional patient outcomes. In addition to her clinical practice, Christa serves as the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Manager for the Heart & Vascular Service Line at Fairview. She is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of providers through her work as a clinical preceptor for Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner students. Christa has special interests in aortic valve disease, structural heart interventions, inpatient cardiology care, and healthcare leadership. Known for her compassionate, detail-oriented approach, she enjoys partnering with patients to help them feel their best and return to the activities they love as quickly and safely as possible. Outside of work, Christa enjoys staying active through running, Orangetheory and Peloton workouts, and endurance events, including multiple triathlons, half Ironman races, and the Madison Ironman. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks, singing with her church and community groups, and spending time with family and friends. Christa lives in Hudson, Wisconsin, with her family, including her identical twin daughters who keep her on her toes.