Nestor Mercado, MD, PhD, FESC, FSCAI is a board-certified interventional cardiologist specializing in structural heart disease, coronary interventions, and peripheral endovascular procedures with Cardiologists of Lubbock at Lubbock Heart Hospital. He previously served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Director of the Structural Heart Program at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Dr. Mercado is committed to building long-term relationships with his patients grounded in trust, transparency, and open communication. His philosophy of care focuses on improving patients’ quality of life through efficient, compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based cardiovascular care.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Mercado has a strong academic and research background. His research interests include clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary revascularization and structural heart interventions. He has authored 10 book chapters, published 30 original manuscripts in high-impact peer-reviewed cardiology journals, and presented more than 40 abstracts at major national and international scientific meetings, including those of the American College of Cardiology, European Society of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics. He also serves as a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine Interventional Cardiology Examination Committee.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Mercado enjoys traveling with his wife and son.