Dr. Gregory Ronald Searles, a respected Cardiologist, focuses on evidence-based cardiology practice and personalized patient treatment plans. Practicing in Red Deer, AB, he serves patients from the surrounding region. He adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to ensure high-quality and safe care. Dr. Searles provides comprehensive care in Cardiology, addressing a broad spectrum of cardiovascular issues for adult patients.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Dalhousie University in 1998, Canada. Following his medical degree, he completed extensive post-graduate training in Cardiology, including residency and fellowship programs, to develop expertise in diagnosing and managing complex heart conditions. His certifications and ongoing education reflect his commitment to maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills in the field.
Dr. Searles's clinical philosophy is rooted in delivering clear and educational communication, ensuring patients understand their conditions and treatment options. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care in Red Deer, speaking fluent English and French to serve diverse patient needs. His approach emphasizes evidence-based practices and personalized care to optimize cardiovascular health outcomes.
Dr. Searles provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Valvular Heart Disease
- Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions: Evaluation and management of less common conditions affecting the right-sided heart valves.
- Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
- Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).
- Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
- Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease
- Post-Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Care: Comprehensive follow-up care focused on recovery, secondary prevention, risk factor management, and medication optimization after a heart attack.
- Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
- Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Searles is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) Interpretation: Analyzing 24-hour blood pressure readings to diagnose hypertension, assess treatment effectiveness, and identify patterns like 'white coat' hypertension.
- Echocardiogram (Transthoracic - TTE) Interpretation: Analyzing standard ultrasound images of the heart to evaluate heart muscle function, valve structure and function, and chamber sizes.
- Consultation for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Investigating the potential cardiac causes of breathlessness.
- Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Interpretation: Expert analysis of ECG recordings to detect arrhythmias, evidence of heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other electrical abnormalities.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Searles. The specific services required will depend on your individual diagnosis and referral. Please discuss specific service needs with your referring physician.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Dr. Searles primarily practices at medical facilities located in the North Red Deer neighborhood of Normandeau and Highland Green. These facilities are conveniently situated near Peavey Mart Centrium (Arena) and Red Deer Polytechnic (formerly RDC). Patients can access the clinics easily via Red Deer Transit, which offers public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Searles covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Searles are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when you have a valid health card and a required referral. Most medically necessary diagnostic tests ordered by a cardiologist (like ECGs, standard echocardiograms, stress tests) are also usually covered. Some advanced tests or specific procedures might have different coverage rules or require pre-approval. It's always best to confirm specific coverage with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Searles?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Searles. This ensures the consultation is appropriate for your medical needs and facilitates coordination of your care. Please ask your doctor to send a referral request.
- What should I bring to my first cardiology appointment?
- Please bring:
- Your provincial health card (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card).
- The referral letter.
- A complete list of ALL current medications (including doses and frequencies). Bringing the bottles is best.
- A list of past medical conditions, surgeries, and allergies.
- Any relevant medical reports or test results (e.g., recent ECGs, blood work).
- A list of your symptoms and questions for Dr. Searles.
- What is an Interventional Cardiologist?
- An Interventional Cardiologist is a Cardiologist with additional specialized training in performing catheter-based procedures like angioplasty and stenting to treat blocked coronary arteries. While Dr. Searles provides expert medical management, he may refer patients to an interventional colleague if these procedures are indicated. As an Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Searles performs procedures like angioplasty and stenting in addition to providing cardiology consultations.
- What are some common heart tests Dr. Searles might order?
- Common tests include: Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), Stress Test (treadmill or chemical), Holter monitoring (24hr+ ECG), and blood tests (e.g., cholesterol, kidney function). Depending on your situation, he might also consider Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cardiac CT, MRI, or referral for Cardiac Catheterization if needed. The reason for each test will be explained.
206-4406 50 Ave, Healthy Heart Institute
Red Deer, AB T4N 3Z6
Phone: (403) 348-5932
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Searles is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=0a86f169-51f9-4176-8405-0989e00a612e&i=1298