EKG -Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can be used to diagnose and monitor various heart conditions.
Reasons for an EKG:
- Chest pain or discomfort: To assess for a heart attack or other heart problems.
- Shortness of breath: To check for heart failure or other conditions affecting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): To identify and diagnose arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or tachycardia.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: To evaluate for possible heart-related causes of these symptoms.
- Family history of heart disease: To screen for potential heart problems early on.
- Before surgery or other medical procedures: To assess heart health and identify any potential risks.
- To monitor the effectiveness of heart medications or treatments: To adjust treatment as needed.
In summary, an EKG is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help detect and monitor heart conditions, identify potential heart problems, and guide treatment decisions.