Do I Need an EKG Test?

When it comes to your heart health, timing is everything. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is one of the quickest, most effective tools for detecting potential heart issues. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply being proactive, this test can offer critical insights into how your heart is functioning.

At Comprehensive Primary Care, we perform EKGs in-office using advanced technology to help diagnose and monitor a wide range of heart conditions. Read on to learn more about this important test and when you might need one.

EKGs track your heart activity

An EKG captures your heartbeat’s electrical signals in real time. These pulses of electricity start at the top of the heart and travel to the bottom, causing the muscle contractions needed to pump blood out to the body.

The test records the heart’s rhythm and electrical impulses through small, adhesive electrodes placed on your chest, arms, and legs.

The electrodes transmit the signals to a computer, which creates a visual graph of your heart’s activity. We review the results to identify any irregularities in your heartbeat, rhythm, or electrical conduction.

The process is simple, painless, and typically takes just a few minutes. Once your test is over, you can return to your usual routine unless further care is needed.

Reasons for an EKG

EKGs are commonly used to investigate symptoms that could signal underlying heart problems. 

You may need an EKG if you’re experiencing:

• Irregular heartbeats (too fast or too slow)
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Persistent fatigue

These symptoms may indicate conditions such as:

• Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)
• Heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve issues
• Cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle)
• Pericarditis (heart inflammation)
• Congenital heart abnormalities

An EKG can also be used to evaluate potential damage from a previous heart attack or detect warning signs of a new one.

EKGs have preventive care benefits

Even if you’re not having symptoms, an EKG can be a smart addition to your preventive health routine. If you have a family history of heart disease or are managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend regular EKGs to catch problems early.

We may also recommend an EKG before certain surgical procedures, especially those related to the heart, to ensure your cardiovascular system is strong enough to withstand anesthesia and recovery.

If you’re taking medication for heart rhythm disorders or other heart conditions, routine EKGs can help monitor how well your treatment is working and alert our team to any side effects.

Stay ahead of your heart health

Whether you're experiencing symptoms or staying proactive about your heart health, an EKG is a quick, powerful way to gain insight into how your heart is functioning.

At Comprehensive Primary Care in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, and Snellville, Georgia, our team is here to help your heart and entire body achieve optimal health. Schedule your primary care appointment today. Call us at 678-888-2273 or use this website to book your visit.