What is an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)?

An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or, more commonly, EKG, is a diagnostic test that records your heart’s electrical activity.

An electrical signal travels through your heart during a heartbeat. This signal determines the rhythm of your heartbeat and blood flow through each chamber of the heart.

Any change in your heart’s electrical activity affects your heartbeat and how your heart functions.

I feel winded during exercise. What can an EKG tell me about my heart?

If you feel winded during exercise, an EKG can determine if you have a heart problem. The test shows the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat and the strength and timing of the electrical signals.

Your medical provider can order an EKG test if you exhibit symptoms suggesting a heart condition, like poor exercise tolerance, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

The test can help diagnose:

• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Blockages or narrowing in the arteries
• Recent heart attack

Health care providers also use EKG tests to evaluate the effectiveness of their cardiac treatment plans.

How do I prepare for an EKG?

The Advanced Women’s Imaging LLC  team instructs you on what to do to prepare for your EKG. In most cases, no special preparation is necessary. You can eat your usual diet and take your medications as scheduled.

The team asks that you come to your appointment dressed in comfortable clothing and leave all valuables at home.

What can I expect during an EKG?

Your Advanced Women’s Imaging LLC technician explains what you can expect during an EKG before they start the test. First, they place a blood pressure cuff on your arm and attach electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs.

The electrodes connect to the EKG machine, which records the electrical activity and translates the information into waves viewed on a monitor.

The team requests that you lie still during your EKG so that they get the most accurate results. The entire test takes only a few minutes.

A fellowship-trained radiologist specializing in cardiology reads your EKG results and writes a report within 24 hours — within 30 minutes if your test is an emergency.

Call Advanced Women’s Imaging LLC today or book an appointment online to learn more about EKG testing.