What Will a Normal EKG Look Like?
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Will you be undergoing an EKG (electrocardiogram) to evaluate your heart’s function? If so, you might wonder what a normal EKG looks like. A normal EKG of the heart shows a regular sinus rhythm that ranges from 60 – 100 beats per minute with an average of around 82 bpm.
Our team of highly trained doctors at Concierge Medicine of Columbus offers EKG services to patients in Columbus and Macon, GA, and those near Montgomery and Birmingham, AL. The noninvasive EKG records the heart’s electrical activity. The procedure can be carried out in one of our treatment rooms.
An EKG can effectively identify any abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), detect if a heart attack has taken place or is occurring, check for clogged arteries, or perform a check-up on a pacemaker. Typically, patients in Columbus, GA who suffer from heart issues will undergo periodic check-ups to ensure the heart is functioning properly. The checkup will normally involve carrying out an EKG.
The importance of an EKG
Using an EKG, our team of highly trained doctors can quickly identify problems or irregularities of the heart. The EKG provides a baseline of your heart’s size, rhythm, and chamber position. A physician can use the information from an EKG to detect inflammation, heart disease, arrhythmias, or a weak heart.
Should you undergo an EKG?
Our physicians at Concierge Medicine of Columbus may recommend an EKG if they suspect you have a cardiovascular problem.
You may need an EKG if you suffer the following:
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Rapid heartbeat
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Chest pain
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Confusion
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Lightheadedness
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Shortness of breath
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Fatigue
How to prepare for an EKG
Try to avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine prior to undergoing an EKG. Eating regular foods will not impact an EKG.
Below are a few tips on how to prepare for an EKG:
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Avoid applying lotions to the skin’s surface the day of the test because the oily residue can cause interference with the skin’s connection with the electrodes.
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Do not wear hosiery because the electrodes will be placed directly on the legs.
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Wear a top that is easy to take off.
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Do not smoke before or during the EKG test.
It takes around ten minutes to place the electrodes on the skin’s surface and only a minute to carry out the actual EKG and gain results.
How is an EKG carried out?
EKG can be carried out in several ways. Usually, small electrodes are attached to the arms, chest, and legs. The electrodes are then connected to wires that attach to the EKG recording machine. To attach the electrodes, you’ll need to remove your shirt and pants/hosiery. You’ll be given a hospital gown to put on during the procedure.
The results of an EKG are recorded on the machine. It will show your heart’s rhythm and any electrical activity. The results appear as a graph that appears either electronically or on paper.
You might not receive the results of the EKG right away because they will need to undergo evaluation by one of our highly trained doctors to determine if everything looks good or if there is a possible problem. In some situations, other tests may need to be performed to further evaluate any results of the EKG.
Schedule an EKG appointment today
If you feel like you are a candidate for an EKG and feel like your heart needs to be evaluated, contact Concierge Medicine of Columbus to schedule an appointment. We serve patients located throughout Columbus and Macon, GA, including the Montgomery and Birmingham, AL regions.