It is a type of test that identifies heart problems when a heart disorder is suspected. The EKG measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat, allowing the results to be printed from an electrocardiograph. This test is used to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, structural problems, or even if a heart device such as a pacemaker is working properly.
Although an EKG is usually suggested in the presence of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular pulse, and/or palpitations, it is also performed in asymptomatic people with a family history of heart problems.
Your ABC doctor will notify you in case of needing an EKG and will explain that this procedure is very reliable and 100% safe.
During the EKG:
An EKG is usually performed by a health technician so that later your ABC doctor can read and interpret it.
- You will be asked to relax and lie down on a bed where sensors will be placed in different areas of your body (chest, ankles, and wrists). Don’t worry, this procedure is reliable and safe, so your health is not at risk at any time.
- In some cases, depending on the amount of body hair you have, in addition to cleaning the area, it may be necessary to shave for better adhesion of the electrodes.
- You must remember that the most important thing during the development of the test is to avoid moving to allow the results to be 100% reliable.
At the end of the EKG:
This procedure usually lasts between 15 to 20 minutes and you will probably not feel any discomfort at the end, except slightly when the sensors are removed. In some cases, there may be a mild irritation or rash that will go away in a couple of days.
After interpreting the results, your ABC doctor might consider conducting additional tests, or simply make some recommendations to improve your heart health.
At the Cardiovascular Center, we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.
After interpreting the results, your ABC doctor might consider conducting additional tests, or simply make some recommendations to improve your heart health.
At the Cardiovascular Center, we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.
Related centers and departments
Fuentes:
- fundación española del corazón
- msdmanuals.com
- clinicamayo.org
- texasheart.org
- medigraphic.org
- Grzegorz K, Wojciech M, Mateusz H. Competency in ECG interpretation among medical students. Med Sci Monit. 2015; 21(33):86–94.
- Lara JI. El electrocardiograma, una oportunidad de aprendizaje. Rev de la Facultad de Medicina de la UNAM. 2016;59(6):39-42.
- Olvera CHE, Nieto MAJF, Rocha MYF, et al. Mejora de habilidades en la interpretación del electrocardiograma mediante un taller con simulación clínica. EduMeCentro. 2020;12(1):30-45.
- Zavala JA. Descripción del electrocardiograma normal y lectura del electrocardiograma. Rev Mexicana de Anestesiología. 2017;40(1):S210-S213.
