On-Site EKG Testing
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. During the test, electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and legs to capture the signals that control your heartbeat. The procedure takes only a few minutes and does not cause pain; you may relax on a table or, in the case of a stress test, walk on a treadmill. EKG results help doctors diagnose arrhythmias, heart attacks, valve problems, congenital heart disease, enlarged heart chambers and other cardiac issues. Providers may also use an EKG to check your fitness for surgery, monitor pacemakers or track how medications are affecting your heart. By offering this service on-site, we can quickly evaluate your heart health and coordinate any necessary follow-up care.
EKGs are one of the most important diagnostic tools for evaluating heart function. Healthcare providers use them to identify arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms), poor blood flow to the heart muscle, heart attacks, heart valve problems, cardiomyopathy and congenital heart defects. An EKG can also monitor how well medications or pacemakers are working, determine whether you’re ready for surgery, and provide a baseline for future comparisons. Because the test is quick and noninvasive, it’s often the first step if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.
Abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, bradycardia or tachycardia; Poor blood flow (ischemia) due to coronary artery disease; Heart valve diseases; Congenital heart defects; Enlarged heart chambers; Past or current heart attacks; Heart failure; Monitoring pacemaker function and the effects of medications.
At your on-site EKG appointment, you don’t need any special preparation. You may be asked to remove jewelry and clothing from the waist up, and the technician will place small adhesive electrodes on your chest, arms and legs—shaving small areas if necessary. You’ll lie still on an exam table while the machine records your heart’s electrical activity. The test usually takes just a few minutes and there is no discomfort beyond possibly removing the electrodes. You can resume normal activities immediately after.
Having EKG testing available on-site at Next Journey Orthopaedics means you don’t need to schedule a separate visit to a cardiology clinic or hospital. Our clinicians can perform and interpret the EKG during your appointment, allowing for immediate assessment if you’re preparing for surgery or experiencing symptoms. On-site testing shortens wait times and integrates cardiac evaluation into your overall orthopaedic care plan.