Electrocardiograph (ECG) Heart Monitoring
Definition:
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An EKG shows the heart's electrical activity as line tracings on paper. An EKG only records a few seconds of heart activity at a time. It will show a heart problem only if the problem occurs during the test.
Many heart problems are present all the time, and an EKG will detect them. But some heart problems, like those related to an irregular heartbeat, can come and go. They may occur only for a few minutes a day or only while you exercise. Doctors use special EKGs, such as stress tests and Holter and event monitors, to help diagnose these kinds of problems.
What to Expect:
After you check in through North Admissions, someone from the Cardiopulmonary dept will take you to an exam room and ask you to remove or lift up your shirt so stickers can be be applied to your chest.
Then wires are attached to those stickers and a tracing of your heart is obtained. This will take approximately 5 minutes. There is no special preparation needed for this exam.
Preparation
- There is no preparation prior to this exam.
- You may eat your regular diet and take your medications as scheduled.
- If the adhesive patches do not adhere well to your skin, we may have to clean the skin with alcohol or shave small areas.
Post Test
- A physician reads (interprets) your EKG and your ordering physician or office notifies you of your results.
- You may return to your normal diet and activity.
Thank you for choosing Mary Lanning Healthcare for your medical needs. We appreciate your loyalty and confidence in our services. If you have any questions, please contact your physician or a Cardiac Diagnostics RN at 402-461-5124.
