Patients often have to undergo multiple tests and evaluations to inspect a heart disease. One such test is EKG. Also called ECG or electrocardiogram, EKG marks the basis of internal medicine. Your doctor may suggest getting an electrocardiogram, so knowing what the test is all about and the procedure can enable your peace of mind.
What Is an EKG Test?
The human heart works by drawing blood and pumping it to different organs, which then transport the blood back to the heart. This system is backed by an electrical system. This electrical system generates electrical impulses that fluctuate if there’s an irregularity.
An EKG in Bakersfield can measure and record the various electrical impulses and provide the doctor a window to proceed further with the diagnosis.
Why You Need an EKG Test?
The heart’s activity relies on the electrical network and impulse fluctuation. So, an EKG test determines how strong those impulses are and the extent to which a heart is working.
Your doctor may refer you to EKG specialists in Bakersfield if:
- You experience unexplained chest discomfort or pain
- Your doctor detects heart disease symptoms
- You feel dizzy sometimes
- Your heartbeat becomes irregular
- You take heart medication, and the doctor wants to assess how well your heart is working
- You have a heart implant to support heart function
- You are at risk of cardiac issues
How to Prepare for an EKG Test?
Preparing for an EKG test doesn’t require much from the patient’s aspect. But there are some things you should keep in mind if your doctor has advised an electrocardiogram in Bakersfield. To get yourself prepared:
- Avoid applying lotions, skin creams, or any other greasy ointment on your skin on the test day.
- Wear a shirt (preferably a button-down) that you can remove easily to place the leads on the chest.
- Tell the doctors the medications you take or the OTC drugs/vitamins.
Types of EKG Test
Although an EKG in Bakersfield is standardized, your doctor may recommend other EKG tests if the need arises. These include:
Holter Monitor
Usually, doctors suggest a Holter Monitor test if they suspect an abnormal heart rhythm during an EKG test. This EKG test is also recommended when you have palpitations or if blood flow to the heart muscle becomes compromised.
Holter Monitor is a portable EKG that checks your heart’s electrical activity for 1-2 days with 24-hour monitoring. It’s completely painless, with the electrodes attached to your skin.
Additionally, it doesn’t stop you from performing the usual functions. However, showering should be avoided.
Your doctor will also recommend keeping a diary to note signs and symptoms if you detect any.
Event Monitor
In patients who experience symptoms infrequently, a doctor may recommend the Event Monitor. This type of test requires a device that records and stores your heart’s electrical activity for a few minutes once you push the button.
Depending on the situation or as your doctor deems fit, you may have to wear the device for weeks, and in some cases, months.
Every time you notice any symptoms, try to get a reading on the monitor. The reading will also be sent automatically to your doctor for analysis.
What Happens After My EKG?
A standard EKG test takes around five minutes to complete. The preparation time is considerably longer. The technician will ask you to remove your shirt and any jewelry. After that, he will attach ten electrodes with adhesive pads to your chest skin, arms, and legs. It takes ten minutes for the attachment procedure, during which you will be lying down on a flat surface. The actual recordings take only a few seconds which your doctor will keep on your file for future comparison.
Based on your EKG results, your doctor may evaluate and diagnose if you have a heart condition. The results also signify if your heart is working well. In turn, it helps the doctor change or recommend medications to improve your heart’s function.
If your EKG reports are normal, you won’t have to undergo any medications and can return to your daily activities. But of course, it is always recommendable to keep your heart activity in check and consult EKG specialists in Bakersfield.
Looking for Affordable EKG Testing in Bakersfield?
Given all the information about an Electrocardiogram, it’s natural to think if it’s affordable.
If you’re looking for affordable EKG testing in Bakersfield, call us at Onsite Medical Services. We have specialists on board who use state-of-the-art EKG testing machines for accurate results.
Our testing procedure is safe and requires only the basic precautions on your part. We’ll ensure you receive the results in time to help initiate a swift diagnosis or treatment.
If you’ve experienced chest pain, unusually fast or slow heart rate, or shortness of breath in the past few days, consult a doctor today to assess whether an EKG test can help.