Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. And EKG translates the heart's electrical activity into line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips in the line tracings are called waves.
The heart is a muscular pump made up of four chambers. The two upper chambers are called atria, and the two lower chambers are called ventricles. A natural electrical system causes the heart muscle to conctract and pump blood through the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body.
Why it is done
1.
Check the heart 's electrical activity
2.
Find the cause of unexplained chest pain, which could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), or angina
3.
Find the cause of symptoms of heart disease, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or rapid, irregular heartbeats (palpitations).
4.
Find out if the walls of the heart chambers are too thick (hypertrophied).
5.
Check how well medicines are working and wether they are causing side effects that affect the heart
6.
Check how well mechanical devices that are implanted in the heart, such as pacemakers, are working to control a normal heartbeat
7.
Check the health of the heart when other diseases or conditions are present, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, or a family history of early heart disease.
How to prepare
Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell us about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. If you take heart medicines, we will tell you how to take your medicines before you have this test.
Remove all jewerly from your neck, arms and wrists. Men are usually bare-chested during the test. Women may often wear a bra, t-shirt or gown. If you are wearing stockings, you should take them off. You will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test.
Let us know about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean
Opening Hours
462 S. Mason Rd, Suite 100, Katy, TX 77450
Monday-Thursday: 8 am to 5 pm
Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 12m
(by appointment only)
Sunday: Closed
Phone: (281) 693-5289
Fax: (281) 693-3111