Why might an electrocardiogram (EKG) be needed?
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Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute answered:An electrocardiogram is used to diagnose heart attacks and other heart problems, but it also can offer clues about other conditions not primarily related to the heart. For instance, it can detect conditions that alter the body’s balance of electrolytes, as well as overdoses of certain drugs. A doctor may order an ECG if you have:
- Chest discomfort or pain;
- Palpitations;
- Shortness of breath;
- Abdominal pain;
- A history of fainting.
This test also might be needed if you are about to have surgery under general anesthesia, work in a job that stresses the heart, have diabetes, are an older adult, or have had a heart-related procedure, such as getting a pacemaker.
An electrocardiogram is used to diagnose heart attacks and other heart problems, but it also can offer clues about other conditions not primarily related to the heart. For instance, it can detect conditions that alter the body’s balance of... More -
Healthwise answered:An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is done to:
- Check the heart's electrical activity.
- Find the cause of unexplained chest pain, which could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), or angina.
- Find the cause of symptoms of heart disease, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or rapid, irregular heartbeats (palpitations).
- Find out if the walls of the heart chambers are too thick (hypertrophied).
- Check how well medicines are working and whether they are causing side effects that affect the heart.
- Check how well mechanical devices that are implanted in the heart, such as pacemakers, are working to control a normal heartbeat.
- Check the health of the heart when other diseases or conditions are present, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, or a family history of early heart disease.
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is done to: Check the heart's electrical activity. Find the cause of unexplained chest pain, which could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), or angina.... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Your heart is a large muscle that pumps blood through your body. Your heart works because electrical impulses move through it to prompt each heartbeat. To check your heart health, an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records these impulses.
An EKG checks for:
- Problems with your heart rate
- Problems with your heart rhythm
- Damaged heart muscle
- Increased thickness in the heart muscle
- Lack of good blood flow to the heart muscle
Your heart is a large muscle that pumps blood through your body. Your heart works because electrical impulses move through it to prompt each heartbeat. To check your heart health, an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records these impulses. An... More
