An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a diagnostic test that records your heartbeat’s electrical activity. An electrical impulse moves through the heart when it beats, causing the heart muscles to contract and push blood through.
The EKG records the movement of the electrical impulse. The first wave moves through the upper right and left chambers of the heart. Then, the impulse moves to the heart’s lower right and left chambers.
The EKG is a quick and painless test.
Dr. Farah tells you why you need an EKG during your visit. She may recommend the test if you have symptoms that indicate a possible heart condition, such as chest pain during exercise (angina), shortness of breath, or fatigue.
Dr. Farah may perform an EKG to help find heart problems like an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), coronary artery disease (CAD), or to see if you had a recent heart attack.
Taking a preventive approach to care, Dr. Farah may recommend an EKG to screen for heart problems if you have a family history of heart disease.
You may also need an EKG if you have a heart condition and Dr. Farah wants to quickly assess how your heart is working.
The EKG is a quick in-office test which takes about 5 minutes.
Dr. Farah or a technician attaches electrodes to specific areas of your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes connect to the EKG machine that records your heart’s activity. She requests you stay as still as possible during your EKG so she can get accurate results.
For most patients, Dr. Farah performs the EKG without you having to make any special preparations. However, if she performs the EKG to assess a heart condition, she may request you modify your diet (such as avoiding caffeine) or medication schedule before the test.
You can resume your usual activities after your EKG unless Dr. Farah says otherwise. She talks to you about the results of your EKG and may request additional testing if your EKG is inconclusive.
For example, she may recommend cardiac monitoring to watch your heartbeat over a longer period or echocardiography so she can get images of the structure and functioning of your heart.
To schedule an EKG at Bentley Heart, call the office in Fort Worth, Texas, or book an appointment online today.