EKG

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a painless test that measures electrical activity in your heart to assess health and rhythm. Quality Primary Care in Rockville, Maryland, is a full-service primary care practice that has a digital EKG machine. Board-certified internal medicine physician Suresh Malik, MD, and the team use the digital EKG technology to assess heart health and then immediately transmit the information to your cardiologist. For comprehensive care from a kind and professional team, call the office or book an appointment online today.

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EKG Q & A

What is an EKG?

An EKG (electrocardiogram) is a noninvasive diagnostic test that records electrical activity in your heart. The team performs an EKG to assess the speed, rhythm, and strength of your heartbeat.

Dedicated to providing comprehensive care, Quality Primary Care has a digital EKG machine, which allows the team to record your EKG and then immediately transmit the data to your cardiologist for further evaluation. 

Why would I need an EKG?

There are many reasons why you would need an EKG. Your provider at Quality Primary Care explains the reason for the painless test during your appointment.

The team may perform an EKG if you have symptoms of heart disease such as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Generalized weakness
  • Poor tolerance to exercise

 

The internal medicine practice also performs an EKG on patients with a history of heart disease to monitor heart health and their response to the recommended treatment.

However, if you have chest pain, it’s best to call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. 

What happens during an EKG?

A team member at Quality Primary Care performs your EKG right in the office. There’s no need for any special preparation prior to the test. You may need to change into an exam gown before starting your EKG.

Your provider then places the EKG sensors on your chest and limbs. The sensors are attached to the EKG machine that records the electrical activity. You lie quietly during the test, breathing normally in order to get the most accurate reading.

The entire test takes only a few minutes. Once it’s complete, your provider may review the findings of your EKG with you and then send them off to a cardiologist for further evaluation. 

What happens after my EKG?

What happens after your EKG may depend on the findings. If your EKG is normal and you have no other signs or symptoms of heart disease, you can resume your usual activities. 

If the team at Quality Primary Care has concerns that you may be having a heart attack or that you recently had a heart attack, they may recommend you go to the nearest emergency room. 

For inconclusive EKG results, the team may refer you to a cardiologist (if you don’t already have one) for additional testing.

To learn more about the digital EKGs at Quality Primary Care, call the office or request an appointment online.