About This Screening
During an electrocardiogram (also called an EKG or ECG), a series of 10 electrode patches and lead-wires will be attached to your chest, arms and legs. The test takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be interpreted by one of our cardiologists before being sent to the ordering physician within 24 hours. Prior to your EKG, it’s important to note:
- The accuracy of the EKG varies with the condition being tested. Some heart conditions are not detectable all the time, while others may never produce any specific EKG changes.
- EKG can cause minor irritation underneath the stickers used to attach the EKG wires to the patient's chest. This irritation usually lasts several minutes and fades without treatment.
What Does An EKG Show?
An EKG captures information about the heart's electrical activity - the signals that tell your heart when to beat and pump blood.
An EKG shows:
- How fast or slow your heart is beating (heart rate).
- Whether your heartbeat follows a normal, consistent pattern (heart rhythm).
How Does An EKG Help Diagnose Heart Problems?
Information from an EKG helps your care team to:
- Assess the size of your heart chambers.
- Identify any signs of heart damage.
- Evaluate how well medications or devices, like a pacemaker, are working.
An EKG can also reveal imbalances in electrolytes - key minerals in your blood, such as potassium and sodium - that affect how well your heart's electrical system functions.
How Family History Can Impact Your Heart Health
Anyone with a family history of heart disease should have regular, yearly check-ups with their doctor to monitor their heart status. Your yearly exam may include an EKG, which can be compared to the previous EKGs for changes. Once you past the age of 50, your annual check-up may also include a stress test.
Heart conditions can be genetic. If anyone in your family history has had a heart condition diagnosed you should discuss this with their primary care provider, who can help determine your risk and if testing is needed.
How To Get An EKG
If you believe you may benefit from an EKG, make an appointment with your primary care provider or cardiologist to discuss. Your provider can determine if this is the right test for you and get you set up with one or make a referral to a specialist.
Some people may be given an EKG in emergency room care situations.
