EKG

Advanced Heart & Vascular Specialists

Cardiology & Vascular Specialists located in Las Vegas, NV

When you experience an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or any symptom that’s a red flag for a heart problem, an electrocardiogram (EKG) is one of the first tests performed to evaluate your heart. The expert physicians at Advanced Heart & Vascular Specialists in Las Vegas perform EKGs and other essential cardiac testing in the comfort of their office, where they determine the cause of your symptoms and provide individualized cardiovascular care. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use online booking.

702-733-2982

EKG Q & A

What is an EKG?

An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is one of the primary screening tests used to evaluate the health of your heart. Each beat of your heart is triggered by an electrical impulse that starts in the heart’s upper right chamber, then follows a specific path through your heart.

When you get an EKG, the timing and strength of the electrical signals are recorded as they travel through your heart. The results provide information about:

Your heart rate
Irregularities in your heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Whether arteries are blocked or narrowed
Structural problems in your heart
A previous heart attack

If you’re already receiving treatment for heart disease, an EKG shows how well the treatment is working.

When might I need an EKG?

The team at Advanced Heart & Vascular Specialists may perform an EKG to determine the cause of your symptoms, which may include:

Heart palpitations
Rapid pulse
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Weakness or fatigue
Diminished ability to exercise

If you have a strong family history of heart disease, the team may recommend an EKG as an early or routine screening test.

What happens during an EKG?

An EKG is a simple, painless test that’s performed using small, plastic electrodes that stick to your skin. The team at Advanced Heart & Vascular Specialists usually uses 10 electrodes, which are attached to your chest, arms, and legs. If you have body hair in spots where the electrode must be attached, they may shave the hair to ensure the patch sticks.

You simply lie on an examining table or bed while the electrodes are attached. During the test, you breathe normally, but it’s important to stay still. Moving or talking may disrupt the test results.

Once the electrodes are in place, each one is connected to an EKG machine by lead wires, and the activity of your heart is recorded and printed out. Although it can take about 10 minutes to attach the electrodes, the EKG test only takes a few minutes.

When you need to schedule an EKG, call Advanced Heart & Vascular Specialists or book an appointment online.