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Heart disease is the leading cause of death, affecting more than one in 10 adults in the United States. At North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care, with locations in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, Texas, Frank Lee, MD, and the team offer electrocardiograms (EKGs) to detect potential heart problems before they cause complications. Schedule an evaluation at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
What are EKGs?
EKGs, or electrocardiograms, are diagnostic tests that help detect problems with your heart or determine if a current heart disease treatment is working. They’re a highly valuable tool that allows your primary care specialist to help protect you against heart disease-related complications, such as a heart attack and stroke.
North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care offers EKG services after 9:00 am - 5:00 pm working hours.
What can EKGs detect?
EKGs can detect the following conditions and more:
- Heart damage
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- Poor blood flow to the heart
- Other heart abnormalities
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
EKGs can also make sure you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery or determine if heart disease medications or devices function as designed.
Am I a candidate for an EKG?
To determine if you need an EKG, the North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care team discusses your symptoms, lifestyle, medications, and medical history. They complete a physical exam and listen to your breathing and heartbeat. Your provider might recommend you undergo an EKG if you experience:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeats
- Fast heartbeats
- Skips in your heartbeat
- Flutters in your heartbeat
If you have a family history of heart disease or other disease risk factors, periodic EKGs are a good idea.
What should I expect during EKGs?
Avoid applying greasy or oily skin care products to your skin the day of your scheduled EKG, as these can reduce the ability of the electrodes to stick to your skin.
EKGs consist of placing temporary electrodes with adhesive pads on your arms, legs, and chest to track your heart’s electrical activity. During a resting EKG, simply lie flat and relax. Stress testing requires walking on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike during your test.
A computer translates the information gathered into wave patterns that your North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care specialist interprets. This test takes about 10 minutes, including placing the electrodes on your skin, plus a few seconds to record your heart’s activity.
What happens after an EKG?
After an EKG, your specialist interprets the results and determines if there are any abnormalities present that need further diagnostic testing or treatment. North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care provides referrals if you require a medical procedure.
Schedule an appointment at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care by phone or request one online today to determine if EKGs are right for you.