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An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a quick, pain-free, and highly accurate way to determine the health of your heart. If you have symptoms of a heart problem, an in-office EKG is often the first diagnostic test performed by the providers at Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC. Whether you have symptoms or worry about your risk for heart disease, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call the office in Ocala, Florida, or use online booking to get expert care for your heart.
EKG Q & A
What is an EKG?
An EKG shows your heart’s electrical activity. EKGs provide quick information, making them the first diagnostic test performed to find signs of a heart attack, detect arrhythmias (an irregular heartbeat), and find signs of cardiovascular disease.
When would I need an EKG?
Your Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, provider runs an EKG if you have symptoms of a heart problem, like chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. EKGs provide information that helps diagnose conditions such as:
- Heart attacks
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Heart inflammation
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery blockages
- Damaged heart muscles
- Enlarged heart muscles
- Faulty heart valves
- Heart defects
You may also need an EKG after a heart attack. If you recently had a heart procedure or take heart medications, your provider may perform an EKG to monitor your progress and make sure your treatment is working.
What is a screening EKG, and do I need one?
The purpose of a screening EKG is to find early signs of heart problems before you have symptoms. Finding problems early gives you the chance to start treatment and prevent or better control heart disease.
Your provider may recommend a screening EKG if you have a high risk of developing heart disease. Your risk rises if you have any of the following factors:
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Being overweight
- Lack of exercise
- Increasing age
The best way to learn whether you’re at risk is to schedule an evaluation at Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC. Their caring physicians complete a physical exam, identify your risks, and recommend steps you can take to protect your heart.
What happens during an EKG?
After you relax on an exam table, your provider places adhesive electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs. If needed, they may shave body hair in the areas under the electrode to ensure accurate results.
They attach wires to each electrode and connect the wires to the EKG machine. The electrodes pick up electrical activity in your heart, send the information through the wires, and the machine produces a visual graph that shows your heartbeats.
The total time of your EKG is about 10 minutes. Recording your heart takes only a few minutes.
Call Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, today or book an appointment online if you need to schedule an EKG or want to learn about your risk of developing heart disease.