An electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as an EKG tests one of the most basic and quick procedures for examining the heart. It is a non-invasive procedure. Electrodes (tiny, skin-sticking plastic patches) are applied to the specific areas on the chest, arms, and legs. Lead wires connect the electrodes to an EKG machine. The heart’s electrical activity is then recorded, interpreted, and printed. There is no electrical current sent into the body.
The heart uses natural electrical impulses to coordinate its contractions and keep blood pumping through the body correctly. These impulses are recorded by an EKG, which records the following parameters :
- How rapidly the heart is beating.
- The rhythm of the heart beats (whether steady or irregular)
- The strength and timing of the electrical impulses as they travel through the various sections of the heart.
What does EKG test check?
EKG tests are quick, painless, and safe. Your doctor will be able to evaluate the following with the results of this test:
- Measure the rate at which your heart is beating
- Check to see whether your heart has insufficient blood flow
- Recognize the signs of any serious heart conditions
- Examine any abnormalities
What are the reasons I might need an EKG?
Your doctor can prescribe an electrocardiogram for a variety of reasons, including:
- To assess heart-related issues such as chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, and chest discomfort.
- To detect irregular heartbeat
- To determine the general health of the heart before surgery, or after therapy
- To see how a pacemaker for heart failure is operating
- To see how effective specific cardiac medications are
- To obtain a baseline tracking of the heart’s function during a physical exam (this can be compared to future EKGs to see whether any changes have occurred)
An EKG can be ordered for many other reasons such as when it is part of a general wellness check-up, etc.
What will happen during the EKG?
The following details shall help.
- Your doctor or technician will go over the test with you and answer any questions you may have.
- Fasting is not usually required before the test.
- Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- If you have a pacemaker, let your doctor know.
Your doctor may request further and specific preparations based on your medical condition.
What to Expect During an EKG
EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Because sudden movements can impact test results, you’ll need to be as still as possible during the procedure.
What are the different types of EKGs?
Did you know there are different types of EKGs? Here is a comprehensive listing.
Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET):
This test is done to determine if you have any heart or lung problems.
Stress EKG:
Holter Monitor:
Resting 12-lead EKG:
This is the most common type of electrocardiogram used to assess your heart’s electrical function. This EKG records your heart’s electrical activity from 12 electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs at the same time while you’re resting still. A resting 12-lead EKG can be used as part of a normal checkup to detect heart problems before any symptoms or signs appear.
Electrocardiogram with signal-averaged data:
A signal-averaged electrocardiogram is a more detailed type of EKG. Multiple EKG tracings are taken over a 20-minute period in order to capture abnormal heartbeats that may occur only briefly during this technique.
What is the Cost of an EKG Test?
The cost of an electrocardiogram in Florida at any health care center can vary. Factors like which insurance plan you have and the setting in which you get an EKG (outpatient center, doctor’s office, hospital, etc.) play a role in cost. If you have a question about the cost of an EKG at our center, our staff is happy to assist you.
When to schedule an appointment for an EKG
An EKG can be helpful if you are at risk of heart disease or have heart-related symptoms such as chest pain or irregular heartbeats. We have the staff and resources in place at our facility to walk you through the full testing process and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Our experts have extensive experience in identifying all forms of cardiac diseases, no matter how uncommon or complicated they may be. We investigate all possibilities for various heart issues to discover the underlying causes. Our doctors and technicians use cutting-edge diagnostic instruments and focus on accuracy while interpreting EKG test results, leading to the best possible outcomes. A proper diagnosis is a first and most important step toward a successful treatment plan.
Our Centers are at 5 convenient locations in Port Richey, Homosassa, Sebastian, and two in Spring Hill. In addition, we have four other centers opening soon in Tarpon Springs, Brooksville, Crystal River, and Port Richey. Call us at 1-888-596-2090 to make an appointment at EliteCare health care center nearest you and get to know about your heart health now!
