Electrocardiograms record the electrical signals in the heart. Tests like these are common and painless ways to detect heart problems and monitor heart health.

Electrocardiograms – also called ECGs or EKGs – are carried out in doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals. Ambulances and operating rooms have EKG machines as standard equipment. Some personal devices can monitor your EKG, such as smartwatches. Consider this option with your healthcare provider.

For a standard electrocardiogram, no special preparation is needed. Make sure to inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you are taking. EKG results can often be affected by these factors.

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Depending on how the electrodes will be placed on your body, your care provider may shave the areas where hair is present to ensure that the patches stick. You will typically be asked to lie on an examination table or bed once ready.

Several common heart problems can be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram, which is a painless, non-invasive procedure.

The American Heart Association does not recommend electrocardiograms for low-risk adults without symptoms. An electrocardiogram may be recommended if you have a family history of heart disease, even if you don’t have any symptoms.

A standard EKG recording may not detect symptoms that come and go. Remote or continuous EKG monitoring may be recommended by a healthcare provider in these cases.

Heart attacks are caused by sudden blockages in blood flow to the heart. Although the blockage occurs suddenly, the materials that cause it – cholesterol, fat, and other plaque-building substances – are gathered over time. EKGs can detect whether someone is having a heart attack or has already had one.

The EKG can detect coronary artery disease, also called atherosclerotic heart disease, by observing how blood flows. It is also possible to detect the narrowing of the arteries when the heart is enlarged.

A doctor diagnoses heart failure by taking a medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting tests such as an EKG. An EKG can be used to assess the heart rate and rhythm. Tests like this can often detect heart diseases, heart attacks, enlarged hearts, and abnormal heart rhythms that can cause heart failure.

These are just a few heart problems that can be detected with an EKG.

An artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. They travel to your head as well as to the tips of your toes. Smooth inner walls make it easy for blood to flow through healthy arteries. Clogged arteries, however, can develop in some people. Symptoms of clogged arteries include the buildup of a substance called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. It is possible for arterial plaque to reduce blood flow or, in some cases, block it entirely.

A clogged artery greatly increases the chances of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or even dying. No matter your age, it is important to be aware of the causes of artery plaque and the treatment strategies that can help prevent serious consequences.

Heart attacks and strokes can often occur without any symptoms being observed until clogged arteries cause a major event. Symptoms may also include chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath when the artery is blocked by 70% or more. Additionally, it can cause nausea, sweating, weakness, and dizziness.

Patients with a family history of heart disease should seek urgent care with EKG services. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4015 US HWY 301 Ellenton, FL 34222. We serve patients from Ellenton FL, Memphis FL, Palmetto FL, West Samoset FL, and surrounding areas.