When you have an appointment with a
heart doctor near Phoenix, one of the tests he or she may order is an electrocardiogram, or EKG.
EKGs are important tools for diagnosing heart disease and tracking the
effectiveness of treatment. If you’re scheduled for an EKG, here
is what you need to know.
What Is an EKG?
An
EKG is performed to measure the electrical activity in your heart. This non-invasive
test can be used to diagnose a wide range of heart conditions, including
abnormal cardiac rhythms and damage to the heart muscle. If you are under
treatment for a heart condition, an EKG may be performed to determine
if the treatment has been effective.
When May You Need an EKG?
EKGs are performed as part of cardiac stress tests. Your heart doctor
may also order an EKG if you complain about chest pain, heart palpitations,
shortness of breath, or fainting spells. If you’re scheduled for
surgery and are at risk for heart disease, an EKG may be included as part
of your pre-operative exam.
What Happens During an EKG?
EKGs are performed on an outpatient basis. During the test, you will lie
flat on a table while gel is applied to four locations on your extremities
and six locations on your chest. Leads are placed over the gel, which
transmit information about the electrical impulses of your heart to a
computer monitor. The entire process takes about five minutes. The test
is painless, though you may experience some discomfort when the adhesive
patches used to hold the leads in place are removed. It may be necessary
to shave a small amount of chest hair in some cases. After the test, your
heart doctor will read the recording of your heart activity to look for
abnormalities.
EKGs are among the many
diagnostic tests the heart doctors at Cardiac Solutions use to deliver the best possible
patient care. If you have cardiovascular disease, our doctors can help
you find the right treatment plan. To make an appointment, please call
(623) 876-8816.