If you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations, an electrocardiogram (EKG) is likely one of the first tests your provider will use to diagnose you. The board-certified cardiologists at Advanced Heart Care Associates, which has a location in Henderson, Nevada, and two locations in Las Vegas, Nevada, use EKGs to evaluate the heart by viewing a graph depiction of its heartbeat. To schedule an appointment, call Advanced Heart Care Associates or book one online today.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a way of monitoring and recording your heartbeat. It works by detecting the electrical signals from the heart muscle that allow your heart to pump blood. The test is painless, safe, and very widely used in clinic settings and even ambulances.
During an EKG at Advanced Heart Care Associates, your provider places a series of electrodes on your chest and limbs. These electrodes pick up on the heart’s electrical signals and send the information back to an attached monitor. A computer creates a graph using the signals from the electrodes. Using the graph, your provider can assess your heart rate and rhythm.
There are multiple reasons why you may need an EKG. The test is useful for helping diagnose structural abnormalities within the heart as well as other heart conditions, and your provider may use it to track your progress with certain treatments.
Advanced Heart Care Associates may use an EKG as part of your diagnostic assessment if you experience symptoms like:
Typically, they only use an EKG for diagnosis if symptoms are present. However, your provider might use an EKG to screen for heart conditions if you have a family history of heart disease and are at a high risk.
An EKG can serve many purposes, including diagnostic and health tracking. Your provider at Advanced Heart Care Associates explains their reasons for using the test before you get it and goes over your results in detail afterward.
They may use the EKG to:
After the test, you’re free to resume your typical activities and go about your day as planned. If your provider detects any potential abnormalities in your EKG, they may order other tests to further assess heart function.
Schedule an appointment over the phone or online at Advanced Heart Care Associates to find out more about what to expect from an EKG.