Identifying an underlying heart condition may be difficult at certain times, especially for those that do not present any symptoms. However, electrocardiogram testing beats that because the tools are powerful and can help diagnose and screen for cardiac issues. Tomball cardiology deals with different EKG procedures to check for any symptoms that could indicate heart conditions. The procedures are painless and effective in assessing your heart’s regular activity and recording patterns that give evidence of your heart’s working.
Exercise Electrocardiogram
The ECG involves physical exercise to evaluate your heart’s response to exercise and stress. During this test, your doctor will tell you to exercise on a stationary bike and treadmill. Your doctor may increase the treadmill’s speed to increase the exercise’s difficulty during the test. You will keep up with the exercise till your doctor determines that you have reached the target, depending on your age and status. You may also stop if you are tired and experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. You can notify your doctor if you have an aneurysm, severe heart conditions, low red blood cell count, and irregular heartbeats. After the procedure, you will not need special care and can resume your regular activities.
Ambulatory Electrocardiogram
The electrocardiogram in this procedure can use a portable Holter monitor to record your heart’s electrical activity for 24 hours. The EKG happens while you are about your usual activities, thus helping your doctor identify any heart problems. Depending on the pattern your recording will produce, you may have irregular heartbeats that may be noticeable during this EKG procedure. Your doctor can perform an ambulatory EKG to find the cause of particular symptoms of heart problems such as chest pain and dizziness. You may also need the procedure if your doctor wants to check the working of your irregular heartbeat treatment. There are no risks attached to this particular procedure because the device only records electrical signals in your body.
Rest Electrocardiogram Test
During this procedure, your doctor will require you to lie down first to relax, and then they will attach electrodes to your skin. The electrodes record your heart’s electrical activity at rest and then sends the information to a machine for reading. Rest EKG can give evidence of heart enlargement, previous heart attacks, heart rhythm, and rates. You may benefit from this procedure if you have factors that increase your risk of developing heart disorders such as high blood pressure. The procedure may also benefit a person with existing heart disease. The only discomfort you may experience during the procedure may be the removal of the sticky pads. Otherwise, there are no risks or discomforts. Your doctor will then discuss the outcome of the procedure.
You can benefit from an EKG procedure at Northwest Houston Heart Center. The procedures are non-invasive. Thus no known side effects. Your cardiologist will guide you on how the procedure goes and ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. You can also choose to visit the website today and request an online appointment for an EKG.