You’ve heard the term “EKG” many, many times. Beyond knowing that it’s an abbreviation for an electrocardiogram, do you actually know what it does, and when you might need one?
(Here’s a hint: An EKG records the electrical signals in the heart, and heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.)
At Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care, Dr. James Y. Lee and our experienced team know when you need an EKG. Two of the most common signs are chest pain and dizzy spells. Here’s what that means for you.
EKG is an abbreviation for electrocardiogram, which is a simple and painless test to check the electrical activity of your heart. (It’s also sometimes called an ECG. The EKG abbreviation comes from the German spelling “electrokardiogramm.”)
Every beat of your heart comes from an electrical impulse that is generated by cells in your heart. An EKG records these electrical signals to measure the rate and regularity of your heartbeat, the size and position of the chambers of your heart, and the presence of any damage to your heart.
The whole process takes only 5-10 minutes, and it goes like this. You lie back on an exam table while a member of our team connects a few electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes run to a computer or specialized EKG machine that tracks your heart’s electrical activity.
We review the results immediately to check your heart rhythms, make sure the blood flow to your heart is good, and check for any other abnormalities. If you do have any abnormal results, you may need additional testing before we can finalize a diagnosis.
Chest pain and dizziness are two of the major indicators of a heart condition, so if you visit us with these symptoms, we’re very likely to order an EKG to make sure you’re not in any immediate danger.
Other symptoms of a potential heart condition that may warrant an EKG include irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, abnormal fatigue, swelling in your feet and ankles, and fainting spells.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care so we can conduct an EKG to diagnose the problem. If you have any sort of heart condition, early detection and prompt treatment can keep the condition from worsening.
We offer same-day and walk-in appointments, or you can schedule a visit by calling our office or booking a time online.
