Signs That You May Need an Electrocardiogram (EKG) Test

EKG heart tests will typically only be recommended for a patient if they are displaying symptoms of a heart condition or to assess the health of the heart for someone who has a diagnosed heart condition. They may also be used as a check-up for patients who are at an increased risk of developing heart conditions. They are not typically used for conditions that require quick diagnosis as they take a few minutes to achieve accurate results, and will not be recommended unless there are symptoms, risks, or a medical history involved. Most patients will need a referral or recommendation from a primary care physician in order to receive an EKG as they require specific technology and a qualified technician to be performed.

EKG heart tests will often be recommended for patients who are suffering from symptoms that could be indicative of a heart condition such as:

– Shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Light headedness, dizziness
– Confusion
– Increased heart rate or rapid pulse
– Heart palpitations
– Increased weakness or fatigue, particularly when exercising

EKG heart tests are not often used to provide definitive results but can help the physician determine if there is the presence of a heart condition and which other types of tests that will be a bit more invasive should be recommended for the patient. EKG tests are one of the quickest and easiest tests to endure, so if the physician is able to prevent the patient from requiring other types of tests, they are a good place to start.

Since EKG heart tests are completely non-invasive, there is not much prep that is required for patients. The electrodes that are used for the test will be stuck onto various areas of the chest with a light adhesive, so you may want to avoid applying any thick lotions to the chest right before the test to ensure that the adhesive is able to stick to the skin, and if you have a fair bit of hair on the chest, you may wish to shave the hair before the test to prevent any hairs from being pulled out once the adhesive is removed. The test also requires the use of electrical currents, so be prepared to be asked to remove any jewelry before starting the test. Additionally, you will be required to remove any clothing from the top half of your body to allow for the electrodes to be placed in the correct locations, so for your own comfort, try to remember to wear an easily removeable top and separate bottoms rather than a dress or jumpsuit. The test itself should only take a few minutes, but it will take a few minutes to set up the test and to review your results with the technician or physician afterwards, so schedule your time accordingly.

The most common type of EKG test that is used is just the standard recorder, which is performed by a technician in their office and only records for several minutes, but there are a couple of other types of EKG tests that can provider longer recordings for more accurate results as well as specific event monitors that will only record when an irregular rhythm is detected or the wearer pushes a button when they start to experience symptoms. A Holter monitor is an EKG that can be worn for 24 or 48 hours that constantly records the hearts rhythms while being worn and is used to detect episodes of skipped beats that are sporadic or conditions like atrial fibrillation. The event monitor will be recommended for those who are experiencing symptoms that come and go in order to assess the heart’s electrical activity while the symptoms are occurring to help identify the cause of the symptoms.

EKG services are available at Express Healthcare LLC. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4701 Melbourne Place College Park, MD 20740. We serve patients from College Park MD, New Carrollton MD, Berwyn Heights MD, White Oak MD, Seabrook MD, Laurel MD, Springdale MD, Mitchellville MD and surrounding areas.