An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart. During the test, small electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs to detect and record the heart’s electrical signals as it beats. These signals are displayed as waveforms on a monitor or printed out for analysis.
An EKG can be an essential tool in the early detection and diagnosis of a wide range of heart conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) or blocked arteries
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia
- Heart enlargement or structural abnormalities
- Previous heart attacks (even silent ones that went unnoticed)
- Electrolyte imbalances or the effects of certain medications
Because it is fast, safe, and widely available, the EKG is often the first diagnostic test performed when a patient experiences chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue.
At our clinic, we use advanced EKG technology to provide accurate, real-time insights into your heart health, helping guide next steps in your personalized treatment plan.