If your doctor suspects you might have a heart condition, there are a number of tests they might order to check for abnormalities. An Electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG or EKG) is one of the most commonly performed heart tests. Although the test is quick and painless, it might make patients nervous if they do not understand the procedure. In this article, we’ll explain what an electrocardiogram is and what you can expect during this test.
A Simple and Effective Heart Exam
An electrocardiogram is a test that monitors your heart’s electrical activity. It’s often the first test that a doctor will order if you are having heart issues because it provides a baseline of your heart’s activity that your doctor can analyze before determining if more complex tests are needed for a diagnosis.
During the test, electrodes will be attached to your body that monitor your heartbeat. These electrodes will create a graph of your heart activity (called a tracing) that your doctor will be able to view.
What to Expect
During an electrocardiogram, a healthcare provider will attach electrodes to your chest or other parts of your body. These are attached with a gentle adhesive, much like a sticker. While these electrodes are monitoring your heart, you must remain very still on the exam table. The procedure usually only takes a few minutes.
Scheduling an Electrocardiogram
If you need an electrocardiogram, call us at Family Diagnostic Clinic. We can perform this test and other diagnostic exams to help you take control of your health.