EKG

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a non-invasive diagnostic test performed to assess the electrical activity of your heart. It provides valuable information about your heart's rhythm, rate, and overall function, helping your doctor evaluate your cardiac health.

When you visit your primary care doctor for an EKG, the medical staff will explain the procedure and its purpose. They will ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, as this information helps guide the interpretation of the test results.

The EKG provides information about:

1. Heart Rate: The EKG measures the number of electrical impulses generated by your heart in a specific time frame, indicating your heart rate. This helps determine if your heart rate is within a normal range.
2. Heart Rhythm: The EKG shows the regularity or irregularity of your heart's electrical signals, allowing your doctor to identify any abnormalities in the heart rhythm, such as arrhythmias.
3. Heart Conduction: The EKG evaluates the speed and pathway of the electrical impulses as they travel through your heart, helping to identify any blocks or delays in the conduction system.
4. Cardiac Enlargement: The EKG can indicate if your heart is enlarged, which may be a sign of underlying cardiac conditions.
5. Ischemia or Infarction: Changes in the EKG pattern can suggest insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia) or a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

The entire EKG process is usually quick and painless, taking only a few minutes to complete. Once the recording is finished, the healthcare professional will remove the electrode patches. The EKG results are then analyzed by your primary care doctor, who will interpret the findings in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic tests if necessary.

Based on the EKG results, your doctor can make assessments about your heart health, identify potential abnormalities, and recommend appropriate treatment or further evaluation if needed. The EKG serves as a valuable tool in diagnosing various heart conditions, monitoring cardiac function, and guiding the management of cardiovascular health.