/sc-assets/prd/practices/f260d3e2-615b-4e5b-a85a-ee4ed367d1b4/x0RMf5f1flG1eqmytJ1rYpd7YyZ_0K7Zs0ke4nuJveovZ-tByBQp5ylNVgoKjspjeIf_eYmFhX7xYfHBJIIiYfo9KPnblDsY.jpeg)
/assets/production/practices/3761766c057b8abc5ea4903a3a63a77191e00719/images/2427138.jpg)
About EKG
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a quick and painless test that measures your heart's electrical activity. The doctors at HeartPlace offer EKG testing to assess heart health and diagnose heart problems. HeartPlace is a physician-led cardiology group with 30 locations throughout North Texas. For expert cardiology care, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.
EKG Q & A
What is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a quick and painless test that looks for problems with your heart's electrical activity, which sets the rhythm of your heartbeat.
During the test, your provider attaches electrodes to your chest, legs, and arms. The electrodes send information about your heart’s electrical activity to an EKG machine, which records the information and documents it as waves on a monitor or piece of paper.
You lie still and breathe normally during the test, which usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
The cardiologists at HeartPlace perform an EKG to measure your heart’s electrical activity at that one moment in time. It’s a quick and convenient test requiring no special preparation.
When do I need an EKG?
Your cardiologist determines when you might need an EKG. They may perform the test to assess heart health if you come to the office with complaints of chest pain or shortness of breath. The test may help find problems like:
- An abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- History of a heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Signs of coronary artery disease (CAD)
They also perform an EKG to assess the effectiveness of your pacemaker. HeartPlace also uses the EKG when performing a stress test.
What are other types of EKG testing?
HeartPlace also performs EKG testing that measures your heart’s electrical activity over a period of time. These EKG tests include:
Holter monitor
The Holter monitor is a portable EKG device that tracks cardiac activity over 24 hours. For this test, your cardiologist attaches electrodes to your chest at the office, which collects information on an EKG device you wear on your waist.
HeartPlace may recommend a Holter monitor test if they suspect you have an arrhythmia but can’t capture the abnormal heartbeat during an in-office EKG.
Event monitor
The event monitor is an extended EKG test that collects information for up to 30 days. The event monitor is similar to the Holter monitor.
You control the data collected on the event monitor by pressing a button to start the recording when you feel symptoms. With advances in technology, some devices record information without you having to hit the record button.
An EKG is a simple heart test that checks for heart problems. For expert care from a skilled group of cardiologists, call HeartPlace or book an appointment online today.