EKG-Electrocardiogram Test
The heart produces electrical signals that can be detected using medical equipment. An EKG-electrocardiogram test is a heart monitoring procedure that is used to record the electrical signals of the heart. This is a valuable tool for diagnosing possible heart problems and for monitoring cardiovascular health. At Primary Care Joliet, we use EKG equipment at our facilities in Wilmington and Joliet, IL, to perform EKG-electrocardiogram tests for our patients.
What Is an EKG/ECG?
An EKG or ECG is a standard heart test that records electrical activity in the heart. This test can be used as a diagnostic tool, especially for those with a history of heart problems or those who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram test include:
- Arrhythmias or irregular heart rate
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Previous heart attacks
- Narrowed or blocked arteries that can cause chest pain or heart attacks
EKGs can be used as part of routine wellness exams for patients at risk for stroke or heart attacks. It is also used to monitor heart activity to determine if treatments are working as expected, or to evaluate the performance of a pacemaker.
What to Expect
An EKG test is not an invasive test, and it can usually be performed in about 15-20 minutes. There is no risk associated with the test – it only monitors electrical signals, and no electricity is delivered to the patient. A series of electrodes are attached to the bare skin with sticky pads on several areas on the torso and appendages. Patients lay down and breathe normally while the test is performed, then the electrode pads are removed. The test is not painful, but some patients may have mild skin irritation from the sticky pads where the electrodes are placed.
At Primary Care Joliet, we have a wide assortment of diagnostic tools at our medical centers to benefit patients. If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or you have a personal history of heart problems, an EKG test may be beneficial as part of your preventive care. Call our Wilmington or Joliet, IL, clinics to schedule your EKG test or heart exam.