Cardiology

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a painless, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. We perform EKGs in-office at RASMED Clinic. Your physician may order an EKG if you have chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, a history of heart disease, or as part of a pre-operative evaluation or routine cardiac screening.

Call 911 immediately for: chest pain or pressure (especially radiating to the arm, jaw, or back), sudden shortness of breath at rest, cold sweats with chest discomfort, sudden dizziness or loss of consciousness, and rapid or irregular heartbeat with fainting. Women may experience atypical symptoms including fatigue, nausea, and jaw or back pain without classic chest pain.

Blood pressure is classified as: Normal (<120/80), Elevated (120–129/<80), Stage 1 High (130–139/80–89), Stage 2 High (≥140/90). A hypertensive crisis — readings above 180/120 — requires emergency evaluation. Even Stage 1 hypertension significantly increases cardiovascular risk over time. Our physicians will evaluate your reading in context and develop a management plan.

Yes. We coordinate direct referrals to board-certified cardiologists within our trusted network and handle pre-authorization with your insurance. While awaiting your cardiology appointment, we can manage your blood pressure medications, order baseline labs, and perform an in-office EKG so you arrive at your specialist visit with a complete clinical picture.

The most impactful steps are: controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly (150 minutes of moderate activity per week), managing diabetes, eating a heart-healthy diet, and managing stress. Our physicians will assess your specific risk factors using validated tools and create a personalized cardiovascular risk reduction plan.