clinica medica hispana

EKGs Q&A

What is an EKG?

Electrocardiogram (EKG) is a noninvasive, diagnostic test that records information about the electrical activity in your heart, including how fast your heart is beating and the timing of electrical signals that pass through your heart. 

An EKG can diagnose problems with your heart, including arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), heart failure, and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Clinica Medica Hispana offers EKGs in-office, so you don’t have to travel elsewhere for testing. They use the latest technologies to ensure accurate results and provide comprehensive medical care for any heart conditions an EKG reveals. 

Why would I need EKGs?

You may need the EKG services at Clinica Medica Hispana as part of your diagnostic evaluation for heart-related symptoms like:

  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath

The team also uses EKGs to evaluate your heart health if you have a history of heart attack or heart disease. People that have a pacemaker to correct heart dysfunction may also need routine EKGs to ensure the device is working properly.

What happens during EKGs?

There’s nothing you need to do to prepare for your EKG. When you arrive at the Clinica Medica Hispana office, you change into a gown, and the team helps you get comfortable on an exam table.

They attach electrode sensors to different parts of your body. The sensors stick to the surface of your skin to collect information about your heart’s electrical activity with each heartbeat. They send real-time data to a monitor that displays the electrical signals in graph form.

The medical team evaluates your heart’s activity throughout the test. EKGs typically take only a few minutes to complete, and you can go back to your usual activities afterwards without any limitations. 

When the test ends, your provider discusses your results. They may recommend additional diagnostic tests if your EKG shows any irregularities. For instance, if you have an abnormal heart rhythm, you might need an echocardiogram to check for structural issues in your heart.

Call the Clinica Medica Hispana office nearest you to learn more about the diagnostic benefits of EKGs, or book an appointment online today.