What Can an Electrocardiogram (ECG) Do For Me?

Do you have a family history of heart disease? Or are you experiencing uncomfortable symptoms? Learn how a simple, noninvasive, quick test can reveal important information about your heart’s health and help prevent complications.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, fast, and noninvasive test that can assess your heart’s function by picking up the electrical activity of your heart.

Just by lying on your back and having a few electrodes applied to your chest, a medical provider can learn much about your heart’s function and help guide effective treatment if necessary.

Our expert at North Tex MedCare Clinic & Urgent Care, Dr. Frank Lee, uses ECGs when patients experience symptoms suggesting impaired heart function, have a history of heart disease, or want to monitor how well they respond to treatments.

Understanding the ECG

Your heart is a muscle that contracts and relaxes. Electric signals tell your heart when it is time to relax and when it is time to contract, ensuring it is all done at the right time. An ECG picks up on these electrical signals generated by your heart with the help of electrodes placed on your chest, arms, and legs.

An ECG can determine heart rate and rhythm, electrical conduction, and even provide insight into whether there has been a heart attack at some point.

How is an ECG done

Performing an ECG is straightforward and noninvasive.

First, you remove any jewelry or clothing that might interfere with the placement of electrodes. Then, we apply the electrode patches to your chest, arms, and legs and connect them to the ECG machine.

During this time, you relax and remain quiet to ensure the recording of the electrical signals is accurate. After we remove the electrodes, you can immediately return to your normal activities. The results from an ECG are instant.

When is an electrocardiogram recommended?

Common reasons we recommend an ECG include:

Chest pain
Irregular heartbeats
Shortness of breath or fatigue
Dizziness or fainting

Chest pain can be a symptom of a past or current heart attack, digestive issues, or back pain, to name a few potential causes. Irregular heartbeats might suggest arrhythmias. Shortness of breath and fatigue could be early indicators of reduced heart function, meaning your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently.

ECGs can also determine the effectiveness of some heart medications.

Know your heart is well

ECGs are a simple, noninvasive way to learn more about your heart. These tests can help us detect issues early and prevent complications.

Want to ensure your heart is well? Contact us to schedule an appointment in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, or San Antonio, Texas.