Electrocardiogram
What is Electrocardiogram (EKG)?
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain spots on the chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected to an EKG machine by lead wires. The electrical activity of the heart is then measured, interpreted, and printed out. No electricity is sent into the body.
Natural electrical impulses coordinate contractions of the different parts of the heart to keep blood flowing the way it should. An EKG records these impulses to show how fast the heart is beating, the rhythm of the heart beats (steady or irregular), and the strength and timing of the electrical impulses as they move through the different parts of the heart. Changes in an EKG can be a sign of many heart-related conditions.
Walk-in appointments available.
Why do I need an EKG test?
You may need an EKG test if you have symptoms of a heart disorder. These include:
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Arrhythmia (it may feel like your heart has skipped a beat or is fluttering)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
You may also need this test if you:
- Have had a heart attack or other heart problems in the past.
- Have a family history of heart disease.
- Are scheduled for surgery. Your health care provider may want to check your heart health before the procedure.
- Have a pacemaker. The EKG can show how well the device is working.
- Are taking medicine for heart disease. The EKG can show if your medicine is effective, or if you need to make changes in your treatment.
Walk-in appointments available.
How to prepare for an electrocardiogram?
Your healthcare provider may give you instructions on how to prepare for your EKG. On the day of the test, your health care provider may or may not ask you to pay attention to the following:
- Arrival: You should plan to arrive early, depending on your healthcare provider’s instructions. Arriving early helps the testing stay on schedule.
- Diet: Generally, fasting (not eating) is not required before the test.
- Meclications: Tell your doctor of all medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking. Ask your healthcare provider if you should take your regular medicines before the EKG. Also, inform your doctor of any medical devices (e.g. pacemaker).
- Comfort: You should wear comfortable clothes.
Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.
What to expect?
Upon arriving at Jahmale, you will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable staff that will register and help you get ready for your test. Our dedicated nurses will walk you through the test, answer any questions you may have and ask you to sign a consent form.
You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up. The nurse will ensure your privacy by covering you with a sheet or gown and exposing only the necessary skin. You may also be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the test.
At Jahmale, we encourage you to be an ambassador of your own health, feel free to ask questions or seek clarity whenever you require it. Your test may take between 15 to 30 minutes.
You will lie flat on a bed for the test. Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) will be attached to your chest, arms, and legs. If your chest, arms, or legs are very hairy, the nurse may shave or clip small patches of hair, as needed, so that the electrodes will stick closely to the skin.
The lead wires will be attached to the electrodes. Once the leads are attached, the nurse may enter identifying information about you into the machine’s computer. The EKG will be started. It will take only a short time for the tracing to be completed.
It will be important for you to lie still and not talk during the EKG, so that you do not alter the tracing. Once the tracing is completed, the nurse will disconnect the leads and remove the skin electrodes.
When will I get the results?
Jahmale EKG results are available immediately after the scan in most cases. If you are a referral patient, you will be asked to wait for your results and advised to discuss the findings with your doctor, who will offer you detailed information and next steps including treatment. Referring doctors may provide Jahmale with an email address for result delivery. Please note that Jahmale will follow the delivery preference of your doctor considering they are your primary health care provider and have the knowledge of your medical history.
However, EKG results for Jahmale patients will be sent directly to your doctor to be discussed with you during your follow-up visit.
If you have questions concerning the delivery of your results, please contact 0881603033 or 0775603033.
What do the results mean?
If you have had an EKG previously performed, please bring or have the images sent to Jahmale Medical Solutions, ideally prior to your appointment. This allows the Internist (a doctor with special training) a comparison of former studies to current.
Your health care provider will check your EKG results for a consistent heartbeat and rhythm. If your results were not normal, it may mean you have one of the following disorders:
- Arrhythmia
- A heartbeat that is too fast or too slow
- Inadequate blood supply to the heart
- A bulge in the heart’s walls. This bulge is known as an aneurysm.
- Thickening of the heart’s walls
- A heart attack (Results can show if you’ve had a heart attack in the past or if you are having an attack during the EKG.