EKG
Heart health is one of the cornerstones of human well-being. Heart issues can dramatically shorten any lifespan. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat heart problems before they become life-threatening. A simple test stands at the forefront of heart diagnosis: the EKG. Also known as an ECG, an EKG (electrocardiogram) is a diagnostic tool that measures the heart’s electrical activity.
The activity appears as tracings on special EKG paper. Doctors read these tracings for vital information about heart rhythm and muscular function. EKG tests are done in doctors' rooms, clinics, or hospitals. With modern technology, it is possible to get portable devices like smartwatches that offer EKG monitoring.
What Can an EKG Detect?
Getting an EKG test can reveal conditions related to the heart, including whether someone is having a heart attack. Most of the time, the primary reasons to get an EKG include the following:
- To determine arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)
- To establish previous heart attacks
- To see if the heart is enlarged
- To test blood and oxygen levels
People with a family history of heart disease may need regular EKG tests to catch problems early. The different types of EKG tests are the resting EKG, exercise EKG, and Holter monitor.
A resting EKG involves the patient lying still during the test, while an exercise EKG is done while the patient uses a stationary bike. A Holter monitor is used for patients with an irregular heartbeat that doesn’t show up during an EKG test.
How Does UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care Use EKG Machines?
UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care employs EKG machines as one of their key diagnostic tools. It is the go-to for heart-related complaints. By using EKG machines, we can offer immediate diagnosis to patients with heart issues. We can monitor those with known heart diseases and at risk of heart attacks. EKG machines also help our board-certified medical professionals make informed decisions about heart treatment. These may include hospitalization or medications.
Visit UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care for an EKG Test
UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care is here to meet your medical care needs by providing affordable pricing and quality care. As part of Intuitive Health’s innovative hybrid model ER and urgent care system, patients are only billed for the level of care they receive from professional and highly trained medical staff.
Our Emergency & Urgent Care Centers are open 24/7 to treat heart problems.
Sources:
https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/things-an-ekg-can-tell-you-about-your-heart
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536878/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/electrocardiogram-ekg-ecg-1745304
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/electrocardiogram_ecg/article_em.htm
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/heart-health/ekg-electrocardiogram-ecg