EKG

What is an EKG?

EKG or ECG is short for electrocardiogram. It’s a diagnostic technology that creates a readout of the electrical signals in your heart. EKG is the primary tool for assessing heart function.

Undergoing an EKG is a painless procedure during which you lie on an examination table. The technician attaches electrodes to your chest and may put them on other areas like your arms and legs.

When the machine is running, it records information relayed by the electrodes and displays it as lines that make wave-shaped patterns on the computer screen. It’s also possible to print out the reading.

What does the EKG reading show?

An EKG reading gives the Cardiovascular Wellness Center team valuable information about heart conditions and functions, including:

Heart attack

The EKG reading quickly confirms whether you’re having a heart attack, so you get the treatment you need straight away. The readings can also determine what sort of damage has occurred and whether you’ve suffered a heart attack before.

Heart rate and rhythm

The EKG records information about your heart rate and rhythm that highlights problems like arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), tachycardia (fast heart rate), or bradycardia (slow heart rate).

Oxygen and blood supply

An EKG shows whether enough blood flows through your heart and sufficient oxygen is reaching your heart muscle.

Structural abnormalities

Cardiologists use EKG readings to look for evidence of heart enlargement and other defects.

Why would I need an EKG?

An EKG is an accurate, timely, and straightforward method of identifying heart problems. Symptoms that might prompt an EKG include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Palpitations
• Rapid pulse
• Weakness
• Extreme fatigue
• Inability to exercise

If your procedure doesn’t identify the cause of your symptoms, you might need to try ambulatory EKG.

What is ambulatory EKG?

If your symptoms aren’t constant, the in-office EKG might not detect the change in electrical activity that could explain what’s happening. Ambulatory EKG involves using a portable device you wear at home when a standard in-office EKG doesn’t find the source of your heart-related symptoms.

You wear a Holter monitor that records the electrical activity in your heart for several days and a cardiac event monitor that records your heart’s activity when you’re experiencing symptoms.

Find out more about EKG and the other state-of-the-art diagnostics available at Cardiovascular Wellness Center by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.