Top Things To Know About EKG Testing

An electrocardiogram or EKG is a diagnostic tool that helps to measure the electrical activity of the heart and can be an invaluable aid to medical professionals in identifying potential health issues. This blog is intended to provide a comprehensive list so that readers can fully understand EKG testing, which can lead to an improved understanding of the heart’s health overall.

1. What is it: An EKG is a vital diagnostic procedure used to monitor heart activity. This non-invasive test involves the placement of small electrodes on the individual’s chest and limbs which detect the electrical signals emitted by the heart and record them onto a graph.
2. What are the results used for: The resulting information can be used to measure blood pressure, heart rate, and even diagnose abnormal heart rhythms.
3. What does it diagnose: EKG testing, in some cases, can identify possible cardiovascular illnesses such as cardiac arrhythmias and develop treatment plans for the given condition.  
4. What does it monitor: EKG testing monitors the heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythms of the patient and help to determine what actions need to be taken from the results.
5. Different ways: EKG testing can be accomplishes in a variety of ways. Some of the ways include but are not limited to: a standard 12-lead ECG, a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and Holter monitoring, etc.
6. Standard 12-lead ECG: This variety of the tests provides a comprehensive view of the electrical function of the heart, with each lead measuring a different angle of the heart, providing a global understanding of the cardiac rhythm. 
7. Holter monitoring: this test involves wearing a device for 24 hours or more. This device can record the electrical activity of the heart throughout the day, and can help to detect arrhythmias that would be missed in a one-time 12-lead ECG.
8. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE): TTE is a test that involves ultrasound waves to measure the electrical activity of the heart. This is helpful in detecting damaged or poorly functioning heart valves and other structural problems.
9. Not always accurate: While EKG testing may be beneficial in the case of those with obvious risk factors, the test should not serve as a substitute for other preventive care measures do to the fact that it is less accurate in patients who have not had a history of heart problems.
10. Things to expect: An EKG test can be an important tool for doctors in their diagnosis of possible conditions. It records the heart’s electrical signal, which can indicate abnormalities in the heart’s structure or rhythms. An EKG is a safe and painless procedure that can give valuable information to the doctor, who may then recommend further tests or treatment to diagnose and treat any health issues that may have been detected. For more information, visit Advanced OccMed’s EKG testing page.