EKG

What is an EKG?

An EKG is a standard painless heart-function test that monitors your heart’s health and detects possible problems before they become serious.

Early detection and treatment of heart conditions is the best way to reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related medical complications. See the Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates specialists at the first sign of a problem.

Why would I need an EKG?

Your Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates provider could recommend an EKG if you’re at risk of or struggle with:

• Previous heart attack
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Family history of heart disease

They usually suggest an EKG if you use a pacemaker or another heart disease treatment. The EKG determines how effectively your treatment works.

How should I prepare for an EKG?

No special preparation is needed before an EKG, but talk with your provider about the medication and dietary supplements you take, as some can affect your EKG results. They also check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, if necessary. You might need to change into a hospital gown before your EKG.

What should I expect during an EKG?

When getting an EKG, your specialist places sensors, also called electrodes, on your limbs and chest using sticky patches attached to wires and a monitor. The electrodes record your heart’s activity and display it on a monitor for your provider to see.

The procedure is painless and highly accurate. It’s important to lie still during the EKG, which usually takes just a few minutes.

What happens after the procedure?

After an EKG, you can resume your daily routine right away. The Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates team reviews the results with you the same day or at your next appointment.

They let you know if you have problems with your heart’s rate, rhythm, structure, or blood and oxygen supply. An EKG can also detect a previous or current heart attack.

Based on the results of the EKG, you might need to undergo an echocardiogram, also called an echo, or another diagnostic heart test. Your doctor might ask you to make lifestyle changes, prescribe medication, or order a medical procedure to reduce your chance of heart-related complications.

Call the Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates office today or use the online scheduler to learn more about an EKG and if you need one.