Electrocardiograms (EKG)

If you experience sudden or unexplained heart-related symptoms or need to determine if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, talk to the team of experienced providers at AssociatesMD about electrocardiograms (EKGs). With convenient locations in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston, Margate, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you have access to the highest standards of care and get the answers you need to protect your heart health. Schedule an appointment today by phone or online to discuss what you need to do next.

What are electrocardiograms (EKG)?

An electrocardiogram (called an EKG or ECG) is a fast, noninvasive test that measures your heart’s electrical activity. 

Electrical signals tell your heart when to contract and pump blood throughout the body, producing each heartbeat. An EKG records these signals and provides valuable information about your heart’s rhythm and function.

EKGs can evaluate symptoms, monitor your heart health, and detect potential cardiovascular problems. The test is painless, typically takes only a few minutes, and can guide treatment decisions to get the best possible outcomes.

What are the benefits of an EKG?

An EKG at AssociatesMD can help your provider identify a variety of heart-related conditions, including irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), signs of a previous heart attack, poor blood flow to the heart, and other cardiac abnormalities.

Some key benefits of an EKG include:

• Quick and noninvasive testing
• No needles or injections required
• Immediate results in many cases
• Early detection of heart problems
• Monitoring of existing heart conditions
• Evaluation of symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations

Many heart conditions progress without clear symptoms until they’re a danger to your health. An EKG can help direct your preventive care.

Do I need an EKG?

Common reasons for an EKG include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting episodes
• Unexplained fatigue
• High blood pressure

They may also order an EKG as part of a routine health evaluation, before certain medical procedures, or to monitor known heart conditions. 

If you have risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, or a family history of heart disease, cardiac screening may be even more vital.

What can I expect at an EKG appointment?

An EKG appointment is simple and typically takes less than 15 minutes. During the test, your provider places several small adhesive electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes send information about your heart’s electrical activity to the EKG machine.

During your test, you lie still and breathe normally. Once the EKG is complete, your provider reviews the results and discusses any findings with you. Depending on the results, you may need more visits with AssociatesMD for additional testing or follow-up care.

If you have concerns about your heart or are experiencing worrisome symptoms, schedule an appointment with AssociatesMD today by phone or online to discuss EKGs.