Four Reasons to Get an Electrocardiogram

An EKG or electrocardiogram records your heart’s electrical. The EKG is a standard test that doctors use to monitor the heart’s status, and detect possible heart problems in many situations. Electrocardiograms which also go by the acronym of  ECGs or EKGs are often performed in a clinic, doctor’s office, emergency room, or hospital room. They are now standard equipment in ambulances and operating rooms.

What is an EKG

This test is noninvasive, painless with quick results. Sensors or electrodes are used during an EKG to detect the electrical activity of your heart. The electrodes are attached to your chest and sometimes your limbs and they  are left on for just a few minutes. Your results are typically available on the same day as the test. Your doctor will go over the results with you that day or at your next appointment.

Four Reasons to Get an EKG?

You doctor may order an EKG for you if you have any of these conditions or the doctor wants to diagnose or rule-out a potential problem:

1. Irregularities in your heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
2. If blocked or narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) are causing chest pain or a heart attack.
3. Structural problems with your heart’s chambers.
4. A previous heart attack.

Types of EKGs

There are several types of EKGs that your doctor can order for you depending on what the symptoms are, what other diseases or conditions you have, and what your doctor deems is best for you.

The other types of electrocardiograms are:

• Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)
• Exercise EKG (Stress test)
• Holter monitor
• Resting 12-lead EKG
• Signal-averaged electrocardiogram

Normal Results of an EKG

A “normal” EKG usually shows up with a sinus rhythm. A sinus rhythm can look like a lot of little bumps, but each relays an important action in the heart. A typical heart beats in a regular sinus rhythm between 60 – 100 beats per minute (specifically 82 bpm).

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Common heart attack signs and symptoms include:

• Tightness, pain, pressure, or an aching or squeezing sensation in your arms or chest that can refer to your neck, jaw or back
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

If you are having any of these symptoms, call your doctor’s office immediately or 911?

Hillandale Primary Care & Laser Center is owned and operated by Dr. Saira Tariq Niaz, who is a board-certified family physician with offices in Lithonia and Lawrenceville Georgia. Hillandale Primary Care provides patient-focused, compassionate healthcare of the highest quality to each patient and delivers acute and chronic healthcare to patients of all ages. We are passionate about preventive medicine and encourage each of our patients to take an active role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Call today at 770.322-9660 or request an appointment.