Reddy Medical Group offers a variety of services for cardiovascular health and screening. This is important to ensure our patients receive the most complete care in a timely manner.
Athens, Georgia Cardiology
Our cardiovascular screening services include the following:
EKGs
An EKG is often the initial screening evaluation of your heart. During this procedure you will have stickers placed on your chest and extremities to evaluate your heart rate and rhythm as well as to screen for some structural abnormalities. If there are any abnormalities discovered from your EKG then your provider may order more tests.
You may need to have an EKG if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, a fast or slow heartrate, have high blood pressure, pass out, have palpitations, or sometimes before surgery.
Echo Cardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. It evaluates the structure and function of your heart in real time using soundwaves. Doppler is used to check the flow of blood through the various chambers of the heart.
Your provider may order this test if you have an abnormal EKG, heart murmur, shortness of breath, leg swelling, or for follow of chronic heart failure.
Stress Testing
A stress test is used to evaluate if your heart is receiving an adequate blood supply under exertion. There are two types of stress tests: one in which your heart will be tested under physical exertion on a treadmill (a treadmill stress test) while during the other you will receive medication to increase your heartrate (a nuclear stress test). In a treadmill stress test, you will be hooked up to an EKG machine and will be asked to run for several minutes while your EKG is monitored. In a nuclear stress test, images will be taken before and after exertion of your heart to monitor any areas that are receiving decreased blood flow.
Our cardiology service providers may order a stress test if they are worried about coronary artery disease if you are having chest pain, shortness of breath, or pre-existing coronary disease.
Holter Monitoring
A Holter monitor is a 24-hour recording of your heart rate and rhythm. You will be hooked up to the device with three stickers. You will need to wear the device for a full 24 hours. After 24 hours, the monitor is then connected to a special computer. The number of events and the time the event occurs is recorded. Analyzing these events aids in discovering any number of abnormalities, if present.
Your provider may order this test if you have intermittent palpitations, if you pass out, or if you have an abnormal EKG.
Vascular Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be used to image most blood vessels. It is commonly used to look at the carotid arteries in the neck as well as the arteries and veins in the legs to evaluate for any blockages.
Your provider may order this study if a murmur is heard in your neck, if you have very cold or blue feet, if you have poor pulses in your feet, among other signs and symptoms.