An electrocardiogram test, otherwise referred to as an EKG, uses special medical technology to gather information on the heart. EKG’s record, evaluate, and analyze electrical signals of the heart to determine how healthy it is. These signals will give your primary care physician critical information on the rhythm, strength, and timing of your heart beats.

Electrocardiograms are used to diagnose heart conditions and monitor your heart’s overall health. They can look for the following:

• Irregular heartbeats
• Blocked arteries
• Reasons for dizziness and/or fainting spells
• The functionality of an implanted pacemaker
• To determine if you’ve had a previous heart attack
• To make sure your heart medications are working

The results of your EKG will give your primary care physician important details about your heart rate, rhythm, blood and oxygen supply, heart structure, heart damage, changes in heart size, heart defects, chronic heart conditions, and evidence of prior heart attacks. This will allow your doctor to provide you with an effective treatment and management plan.

Your primary care physician may recommend you get an electrocardiogram test for the following reasons:

1. You have chest pain, discomfort, or tightness with no known cause
2. You have symptoms related to a possible heart condition such as dizziness, fainting spells, chronic fatigue, difficulty breathing, and/or weakness
3. You have a family history of heart conditions or are at high risk for developing a heart-related disease
4. During a physical examination, your primary care physician noticed signs of a heart arrhythmia or other heart irregularities

EKG tests are noninvasive and can be done relatively quickly on an outpatient basis. Before the test, your technician will first ask you to remove any jewelry and piercings. Next, you will be asked to remove all clothing from the waste up and be given a sheet to cover any exposed skin. During the electrocardiogram, you will need to lie flat on your back and stay very still. Conductors called electrodes will be placed on your body around your chest, arms, and legs. Once these electrodes are placed on your body, the technician will begin tracing your heartbeat for about 5 to 10 minutes. Lastly, your technician will take the electrodes off and you can go back to your everyday life!

It may take upwards of 3-5 business days for your doctor to get the results. When they have the results, they will give you a phone call and set up an appointment to discuss the next steps. You may need further testing or physical examinations to confirm the diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment plans.

For efficient, affordable EKG testing services in West Hempstead, New York, contact Franklin Primary Care! We would love to have you in our clinic and help you get the treatment you need. Electrocardiogram tests have numerous benefits and can be essential in preventing future heart complications. If you have any additional questions about our EKG testing services, don’t hesitate to contact Franklin Primary Care. Our team looks forward to seeing you soon and making sure you have a happy, healthy heart! Call us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 225 Nassau Boulevard, West Hempstead, New York 11552. We serve patients from West Hempstead NY, Franklin Square NY, Garden City NY, New Hyde Park NY, Uniondale NY, Mineola NY, and North Valley Stream NY.