What could be more important than your heart health? If you think you have a cardiac problem, Cornerstone Urgent Care in Rochester, NY, can help! We perform basic heart tests, such as EKG.
Let us learn more about this tried-and-true assessment and when you should get one.
What Is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram, or EKG, is a non-invasive cardiac test. It reveals problems with the heart’s electrical activity.
An EKG is simple, quick, and painless. Plus, it provides you and your physician with important information about your heart health and function.
The EKG itself takes just minutes to set up and perform. After gently attaching electrodes to your chest and limbs, your EKG technician will record your heart’s electrical impulses.
Then, the technician prints out a report for the physician to read and interpret. This printed read-out is called an EKG tracing. It shows the strength, timing, and pattern of each and every heartbeat.
When Should You Get an EKG?
If you have symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations, get a medical examination right away. It will include an EKG to check on your heart health.
Also, if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, such as hypertension, your doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram as part of routine medical screenings.
Athletes or very physically active individuals should get EKGs as part of pre-participation physical exams. Strenuous activity puts extra strain on the heart. An EKG can help identify any potential cardiac issues.
When should you consider getting an EKG at your urgent care center? Here are a few situations when it may be necessary.
Chest Pain
If you experience chest pain, get medical attention as soon as possible. While anxiety or muscle strain could cause chest pain, this discomfort also could be a sign of something more serious–a heart attack, for instance.
In this case, an EKG can help diagnose the underlying cause of your chest pain. Combined with other tests, an EKG helps your healthcare provider develop the right treatment plan for you and your unique health needs.
Family History of Heart Disease
If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, be proactive about your heart health. Get regular check-ups and preventive screenings, including blood work and an EKG. Your urgent care center is an easily accessible option for these tests.
Abnormal Heart Rhythm
If you experience heart symptoms, such as palpitations or a racing heartbeat, you may have abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia. An EKG detects any irregularities in your heart’s rhythm. It also gives the provider basic information about whether or not you have had a heart attack.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to heart disease. If you engage in these habits, it’s important to make changes for the sake of your heart health. Your doctor may recommend regular EKGs to monitor any potential issues caused by these lifestyle factors.
Age and Gender
As we age, our risk of developing heart disease increases. Additionally, men are at a higher risk for heart attacks than women until menopause.
After menopause, the risk for cardiovascular disease becomes equal between genders. These factors may impact how frequently your doctor recommends an EKG screening.
Medications
Some medications can affect the electrical activity in your heart and increase the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat. If you are taking any medications that may have this effect, your doctor may want to monitor your heart function more closely with regular EKGs.
EKG and Other Tests at Urgent Care Center in Rochester, NY
Getting an EKG at Cornerstone Urgent Care Center can help you understand why you are experiencing certain symptoms. The electrocardiogram also can be part of a routine annual physical or as a simple screening tool given your medical or family history. Our state-of-the-art services include diagnostics, occupational, sports, and annual physicals, and treatments for minor injuries and illnesses.
To learn more about electrocardiograms, call us at (585) 207-0088 or send us a message. You also may walk into our Chili Avenue clinic seven days a week during our regular business hours. You will be greeted right away and seen by one of our experienced providers very quickly. We look forward to being your healthcare partner.
