An Electrocardiography EKG test is among the most important tests you can have since it determines your heart’s condition. EKG stands for electrocardiogram. This critical test records the heart’s electrical signals. Besides monitoring the heart’s health, an EKG at urgent care is also used to detect any abnormalities in the heart. The test does not hurt at all. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about anything when having it. ECG or EKG tests are often done in hospitals, clinics, or a primary care physician’s office. An abundance is fitted with an EKG machine because it is standard equipment required for any health or medical emergency. Emergency rooms also have this device to monitor abnormalities in the heart during emergencies.
This post discusses the benefits of going for an EKG test, especially if you develop symptoms of heart failure. Nowadays, patients can conduct EKG tests using particular smartwatches with heart-monitoring capabilities. However, you must consult your physician before using a smartwatch to monitor your heart.
Why should you go for an EKG at urgent care?
An electrocardiogram is a noninvasive vital organ testing technique that allows doctors to check the heart’s condition by monitoring its electrical signals. You won’t feel any pain during this procedure and will get results immediately. Healthcare providers may ask you to have an EKG test because of the following reasons:
- To detect arrhythmia or a heart that beats irregularly
- To establish whether chest pains or a heart attack is caused by narrowed or blocked arteries (coronary artery disease)
- To know if a patient has had a heart attack in the past
- To determine whether treatments such as a pacemaker is working effectively
Below are symptoms that may cause you to undergo an EKG test:
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- A decline in the ability to exercise, fatigue, or weakness
- Rapid pulse
- Confusion, lightheadedness, or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
However, your doctor may suggest having an EKG test if you have a record of heart disease in your family, even if you do not display any heart failure symptoms.
An EKG test may not detect abnormalities in the heart if the symptoms keep disappearing. The doctor may suggest undergoing continuous or remote ECG monitoring for such a case. EKG testing is available in many types. They include:
Event monitor
This is a portable heart monitoring device that works almost the same way as a Holter monitor. The difference is that this particular device only records for a few minutes at certain times. You can wear it for more than 30 days, which is longer than a Holter monitor. When you develop heart failure symptoms, you must push a button. Other devices are designed to detect any abnormalities or irregular heart rhythms automatically.
Holter monitor
A Holter heart monitoring device that continuously conducts EKG on patients and records abnormalities for 24 or 48 hours.
Are there risks associated with EKG testing?
There are no risks involved with an EKG at urgent care since the test is relatively safe. You won’t get electrical shocks because the electrodes used for EKG tests do not produce electricity. The work of these electrodes is only to record the heart’s electrical activities. You will only feel some minor discomfort when the technician removes the electrodes. You may develop some slight rash where these electrodes are removed.
How do you get ready for an EKG test?
You may undergo an EKG test at the doctor’s office, hospital examination room, or your primary care provider’s office. When you are about to get an EKG test, you don’t need to undergo any significant preparation. It is essential, however, to tell your physician of any medication you are using, as it may affect the test results. Before the test, your doctor may ask you to slip into a hospital gown, which is more comfortable while having this test. The doctor or technician will ask you to lie on an examination table once you are ready to take the test—any hair in areas where electrodes should get attached needs shaving to make them stick.
Conclusion
An EKG at urgent care is beneficial because it lets you know your heart’s condition. If there are any concerns or abnormalities, quick and safe precautions may be taken to treat the disease. EKG tests were done on patients with heart failure symptoms, including chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Even though there are smartwatches with heart monitoring capabilities, you must consult a doctor before opting for this option.
