Cardiovascular disease remains a significant health concern throughout Middle Georgia, with heart-related conditions accounting for a substantial portion of hospital admissions and physician visits in the region. Macon and surrounding communities are served by multiple cardiology practices ranging from large multi-physician groups to specialized heart programs within hospital systems. These practices provide comprehensive cardiac care including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, electrophysiology services, and ongoing management of chronic cardiovascular conditions. The presence of both Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont Healthcare systems in the area has contributed to the development of advanced cardiac care capabilities including catheterization labs, electrophysiology suites, and specialized heart failure programs.
1. Central Georgia Heart and Vein Center
Sector: Cardiology and Vascular Medicine
Services: General cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, structural cardiology, vein treatment including spider veins and varicose veins, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), cardiac catheterization and angiogram, coronary angioplasty, peripheral angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, cardioversion, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation, pacemaker and defibrillator lead extraction, radiofrequency ablation, cryo ablation, cardiac resynchronization therapy, tilt table testing, transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), stress echocardiogram, nuclear cardiology, cardiac stress testing, PET scan, electrocardiogram (EKG), Holter monitoring, peripheral vascular studies, remote monitoring services
Founded: Over 30 years ago (established prior to 1994)
Physicians: 11 cardiologists (Dr. Zoe Jones, Dr. Wendell Ellis, Dr. Carmine Oddis, Dr. Amy Kingman, Dr. Carter Tharpe, Dr. Jonathan Hoffman, Dr. Brandon Elmore, Dr. Oliver Horne, Dr. Erik Schneibel, Dr. Robert Lembo, Dr. Jonathan Brock) plus 15 nurse practitioners and physician assistants
About: Central Georgia Heart and Vein Center has served Middle Georgia for over 30 years as the largest and longest-standing cardiology group in Macon. The practice performs thousands of procedures and diagnostic tests annually with a clinical team possessing over 130 years of combined experience. Central Georgia Heart operates from multiple locations throughout the region including offices in Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville, Dublin, Montezuma, Thomaston, Forsyth, and Hawkinsville. The practice receives referrals from hundreds of primary care physicians across Central Georgia. Services span the full spectrum of cardiovascular care including general cardiology, interventional procedures, electrophysiology for heart rhythm disorders, structural heart disease treatment, and vein care through the Central Georgia Vein Center. The practice offers remote monitoring services for patients with implanted cardiac devices using Merlin, CareLink, and LATITUDE systems. Dr. Carmine Oddis holds both MD and Ph.D credentials, and the electrophysiology team includes four physicians specializing in heart rhythm management.
Address: 1062 Forsyth Street, Suite 1B, Macon, GA 31201
Contact: (478) 741-1208 | centralgaheart.com
Hours: Monday through Friday
2. Heart of Georgia Cardiology
Sector: Cardiology
Services: General cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, echocardiography, stress testing, nuclear cardiology, Holter monitoring, heart disease diagnosis and treatment, hypertension management, arrhythmia treatment, heart failure management
Founded: 1999 (merged from Georgia Cardiology Associates and Drs. Bartlett and Esnard practice)
Physicians: 5 cardiologists, 1 nurse practitioner, staff of 30
About: Heart of Georgia Cardiology was formed in January 1999 through the combination of Georgia Cardiology Associates with the practice of Drs. Bartlett and Esnard. The practice relocated to its current building at 2064 Vineville Avenue in the former Bibb County Board of Education building. All physicians are members of the Georgia Heart Alliance. Dr. Maria Bartlett received her medical degree from Medical College of Georgia and has served as Medical Director of Coliseum Park Hospital Cardiac Cath Labs since 1988. She holds privileges at multiple area hospitals including Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center and Piedmont Macon. Dr. Gary Daniel graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in 1997 and specializes in interventional cardiology. The practice maintains satellite offices in Thomaston at 107-C Jackson Street and in Dublin at 109-B Fairview Park Drive, with Drs. Daniel and Allen also seeing patients at Dublin Internal Medicine. Appointments for all locations are coordinated through the Macon office.
Address: 2064 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA 31204
Contact: (478) 743-1478 | hogc.net
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
3. Georgia Heart Physicians
Sector: Cardiology
Services: Echocardiography, stress echocardiogram, carotid duplex ultrasound, angioplasty, 24-hour Holter monitoring, cholesterol screening, stress testing, nuclear stress testing, cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary interventions, coronary angiography, stent placement
Founded: 2000
Physicians: 2 cardiologists (Dr. Emeka Emerole, Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwabuebo) plus nurse practitioners including Lindie (DNP), Rachel Smith (NP), and Cynthia Guevara-Rios (AGACNP-BC)
About: Georgia Heart Physicians has served the Middle Georgia region since 2000 with a focus on providing cardiovascular care with professionalism and compassion. The practice operates from a primary location in downtown Macon with multiple satellite offices throughout the greater Middle Georgia area to meet diverse cardiovascular needs. Dr. Emeka Emerole has served the Macon community as a cardiologist since 1997 and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwabuebo graduated from University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria, completed his internship and cardiology fellowship at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and previously served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the State University of New York in Brooklyn before joining Georgia Heart Physicians in 2000. The nursing staff includes practitioners with backgrounds in cardiac critical care, heart failure, and structural heart programs. Lindie, one of the practice’s nurse practitioners, holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Augusta University and is an active member of the AANP Cardiology Group, American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, and American College of Cardiology.
Address: 654 First Street, Suite 330, Macon, GA 31201
Contact: (478) 738-9443 | georgiaheartphysicians.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
4. Heart MD
Sector: Cardiology
Services: Nuclear stress tests, echocardiograms, loop recorder placement, Holter placement, left heart catheterization, lower extremity arterial and venous ultrasound, carotid Doppler ultrasound, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, bradycardia, chest pain, congestive heart failure, dizziness, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, palpitations, shortness of breath, tachycardia, edema
Founded: Practice established by Dr. Justin McCullough
Physicians: 1 board-certified cardiologist (Dr. Justin McCullough)
About: Heart MD provides cardiovascular care across Middle Georgia with locations in Warner Robins, Macon, and Hawkinsville. Dr. Justin McCullough is board certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Disease and emphasizes compassionate, integrity-focused cardiac care. The practice specializes in managing a broad range of cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, hypertension, and other cardiac diagnoses. Dr. McCullough develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle. The practice maintains hospital affiliations with Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont Macon and has associations with Mercer University and Shorter University. Heart MD utilizes electronic scheduling, computerized medical records, and centralized locations to efficiently serve patients and coordinate with referring physicians. The practice generates consultation reports and fulfills medical records requests promptly.
Address: 420 Charter Boulevard, Suite 208, Macon, GA 31210 (also locations in Warner Robins at 404 Corder Road Suite 400 and Hawkinsville at Taylor Regional Hospital)
Contact: (478) 257-5533 | heart-md.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
5. Atrium Health Navicent Heart and Vascular Program
Sector: Hospital-Based Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
Services: Cardiac catheterization and interventions, minimally invasive heart surgery, arrhythmia correction including ablation and maze procedures, aortic aneurysm repair (ascending, descending, and arch), aortic valve procedures, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), off-pump and minimally invasive CABG, mitral valve repair and replacement, tricuspid valve repair and replacement, left ventricular aneurysm repair and remodeling, ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, structural heart and valve care, heart failure treatment, vascular and endovascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery
Founded: Over 50 years of heart and vascular experience (program established prior to 1975)
Physicians: Multiple cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and vascular surgeons on staff
About: Atrium Health Navicent Heart and Vascular Program, featuring the Luce Heart Institute, provides comprehensive cardiovascular services at Central Georgia’s only Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center as designated by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The program has earned a 3-star ranking for cardiac surgery from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and recognition from US News and World Report for high-performing procedures in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, and pacemaker implantation. The American College of Cardiology has awarded the program its “Triple Crown” consisting of Chest Pain Center accreditation, Heart Failure Center accreditation, and Atrial Fibrillation with Electrophysiology accreditation. The program performs over 6,000 cardiac catheterizations and interventions annually and more than 700 surgical procedures each year. State-of-the-art procedural labs support the full range of cardiovascular services. The program operates within Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, which serves as a Magnet-designated hospital for nursing excellence.
Address: 777 Hemlock Street, Macon, GA 31201 (located within Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center)
Contact: (478) 743-9762 | navicenthealth.org
Hours: Around the clock, every day (hospital-based program)
About Macon, GA
Macon is located in Bibb County in central Georgia along the fall line where the Piedmont region meets the coastal plain. The city serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and commerce throughout Middle Georgia.
Population and Demographics: The Macon-Bibb County consolidated government area has a population of approximately 157,000 residents. The broader Middle Georgia region served by Macon’s healthcare systems encompasses 30 counties and nearly 750,000 people. The population includes a mix of age groups with a significant proportion of residents over age 65 who represent a key demographic for cardiovascular services.
Healthcare Infrastructure: Macon serves as the healthcare center for Middle Georgia with two major hospital systems providing cardiovascular care. Atrium Health Navicent operates the region’s only Level I Trauma Center and Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center. Piedmont Healthcare operates Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital. Both systems maintain cardiac catheterization laboratories, electrophysiology programs, and cardiac surgery capabilities. The concentration of cardiology specialists in Macon provides regional access to subspecialty cardiac care including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and structural heart disease treatment.
Cardiovascular Health Context: Heart disease remains a significant health concern in Georgia and the southeastern United States. The state has higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity compared to national averages. This epidemiological profile supports demand for cardiology services across the spectrum from preventive care and risk factor management to acute interventional procedures and cardiac surgery.
Medical Education: Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon contributes to physician training in the region. Cardiology practices participate in medical education and some physicians hold academic appointments. The presence of a medical school supports recruitment and retention of cardiovascular specialists in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon?
A cardiologist is a physician who completed internal medicine residency followed by fellowship training in cardiovascular disease, qualifying them to diagnose and treat heart and vascular conditions using medications, catheter-based procedures, and device implantation. An interventional cardiologist has additional training in catheter-based procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement. An electrophysiologist specializes in heart rhythm disorders and performs procedures such as ablations and pacemaker implantation. A cardiac surgeon (cardiothoracic surgeon) completed surgical residency and fellowship training qualifying them to perform open heart surgery including bypass grafting, valve repair and replacement, and other surgical procedures. Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons work together, with cardiologists typically managing patients medically and referring to surgeons when operative intervention is needed.
When should I see a cardiologist rather than my primary care physician?
Primary care physicians manage many cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes. Referral to a cardiologist may be appropriate when symptoms suggest heart disease such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or fainting episodes. Cardiologists are also appropriate for patients with known heart disease requiring specialized management, abnormal cardiac test results requiring further evaluation, family history of heart disease at young ages, or when considering cardiac procedures. Many insurance plans require referral from a primary care physician before seeing a cardiologist, though some cardiology practices accept self-referrals. If you experience sudden severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or symptoms suggesting a heart attack, call 911 rather than scheduling an office appointment.
What should I expect during a cardiac stress test?
A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart responds to physical exertion. The most common type involves walking on a treadmill while connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) that monitors heart rhythm and electrical activity. The treadmill speed and incline gradually increase to raise your heart rate. Technicians monitor blood pressure, symptoms, and ECG changes throughout the test. For patients unable to exercise, a pharmacological stress test uses medication to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart. A nuclear stress test adds injection of a radioactive tracer and imaging to show blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and during stress. A stress echocardiogram combines exercise with ultrasound imaging of the heart before and after exertion. Most stress tests take 30 to 60 minutes. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Avoid caffeine and certain medications before the test as instructed.
What is cardiac catheterization and when is it needed?
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in which a thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, and advanced to the heart. During coronary angiography, contrast dye is injected through the catheter while X-ray images are taken to visualize the coronary arteries and identify blockages. If significant blockages are found, the cardiologist may perform angioplasty (widening the artery with a balloon) and stent placement during the same procedure. Catheterization may be recommended when non-invasive tests suggest coronary artery disease, when patients have unstable angina or heart attack, or to evaluate heart valve function or other structural problems. The procedure typically requires a few hours of observation afterward but is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Risks include bleeding at the insertion site, allergic reaction to contrast dye, and rarely more serious complications.
How often should I have my heart checked if I have cardiovascular risk factors?
The frequency of cardiac evaluation depends on your specific risk factors, existing conditions, and symptoms. Patients with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking history, or family history of premature heart disease should have regular cardiovascular risk assessment through their primary care physician, typically annually. This includes blood pressure monitoring, lipid panels, and assessment of symptoms. Patients with known heart disease typically see a cardiologist regularly, often every three to twelve months depending on the severity and stability of their condition. Patients with implanted devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators require regular device checks, often performed remotely with in-office visits typically every six to twelve months. Changes in symptoms such as new chest discomfort, worsening shortness of breath, palpitations, or decreased exercise tolerance warrant prompt evaluation regardless of scheduled follow-up intervals.