EKG or ECG are the same terms that are related to screening of the heart. These terms are medically known as Electrocardiogram and electrocardiograph. The heart is an important organ in the human body that works to pump the blood in the body. It is important to keep it working efficiently; else, it may lead to heart failure and mortality. EKG testing is an important heart screening system that examines heart function. It works to measure the electrical activities of the heart to identify underlying causes. A cardiologist can refer you to undergo this test if your heart is beating abnormally. Based on the results, the doctor can identify the primary cause of heart disease. This helps the medical experts to recommend proper diagnosis and surgical treatment of the heart.
How is EKG performed?
As a general rule of thumb, one cannot perform this test at home. So, it is executed inside the doctor’s office, or you can get it done by visiting an urgent care center. This test is performed under the supervision of a technician. An ECG machine is used to execute the process, which is connected to 12 electrodes. These electrodes are then attached to various body parts of the patient. They are mainly connected to the chest, limbs, arms, and legs to record electrical signals. When heartbeats, it sends an electrical impulse that is recorded by this machine. After the test is completed, the results can be displayed on graph paper. The heart specialist can read the report to determine whether you have a heart problem or not.
Look at the benefits of an Electrocardiogram below.
Tracks baseline heart activity
Heart health is important since, in the US, every year, many individuals die of a heart attack. However, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, and stress are prominent factors of heart diseases. So, even if you are a healthy person, you must get this test done once every 6 months. It can detect baseline activity of your heart by detecting heart rate, pulse, and abnormality. Tracking regular heart health can prevent major heart disease.
Detect the cause of chest pain
Chest pain is the primary symptom of heart disease. However, there are more underlying causes for this occurrence. But it is mainly associated with the heart. So, EKG testing can help you identify the real cause of chest pain. It could be a clear sign of clogged blood flow to the heart. Chest pain can also occur due to poor blood circulation to the heart. It can also arise due to inflammation around the heart muscles.
Helps in treating arrhythmia
Many people often complain about an irregular heartbeat, which is a common problem these days. It is medically known as an arrhythmia which occurs due to improper working of electrical impulses. The symptoms might include fluttering in the chest, dizziness, and pain. However, this problem cannot be ignored since it can lead to heart failure as well. So, If you have sensed such irregularity with your heart, an EKG test is important. It can help to treat this condition and can prevent you from having a major heart problem.
Detect blocked arteries
Blockage in the arteries of the heart could lead to severe heart attacks. This happens due to the accumulation of thick material inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. You might get symptoms like shortness of breath, tiredness, heart palpitations, and chest pain. Therefore, you must consult with a heart specialist to undergo an electrocardiogram to detect the real cause. This test can help in the early detection of heart blockage that can be treated with medicines. Otherwise, a surgical procedure is a viable option that might lead to life risk sometimes.
Maintains heart health
You can get EKG or ECG to maintain heart health. This test can help to detect the early cause of heart disease if symptoms appear. So, you can find the flaws related to your heart and can get the right treatment. A cardiologist can provide you with the right diagnosis to prevent major heart defects.
To Sum Up
There are various benefits that you can get with EKG testing. It is a safe and quick procedure to find underlying causes of heart disease. The test is executed under the supervision of a specialist and derives reliable results. You can visit your nearby primary healthcare clinic in case having trouble breathing and chest pain. EKG test can detect the problem to get viable treatment for ensuring and maintaining proper heart health.