An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a quick and painless test that records the rhythm of your heart to find heart problems. Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, provides comprehensive cardiology care in Anaheim, California, and performs EKG testing. At his private practice, Dr. Arora takes a proactive approach to heart health, using modern technology to detect, treat, and prevent heart disease. Call today to schedule your consultation and EKG testing.
request an appointmentWhat is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity in your heart.
Your heartbeat’s rhythm is set by an electrical signal that starts in the upper chamber of your heart. This electrical signal travels through the heart, triggering each chamber to contract and relax, moving the blood through the heart to the rest of your body.
An EKG shows how fast your heart is beating, the strength and timing of the electrical signal, and your heartbeat’s rhythm.
I have heart palpitations. Do I need an EKG?
An EKG is usually the first test Dr. Arora does when you come in for a cardiology consultation. He orders the test if you have concerning symptoms like heart palpitations (fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat), chest pain, or shortness of breath.
The EKG is quick and painless and can help find heart problems like:
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
Dr. Arora also performs EKGs to monitor the effectiveness of his treatments of heart conditions.
What can I expect during an EKG?
Dr. Arora takes a patient-centered approach to care, explaining what you can expect during an EKG.
Dr. Arora has you lie on an exam table and places several electrodes (sensors that stick to the skin) on your arms, legs, and chest. The electrodes have wires that attach to an EKG machine that collects, measures, and records your heart’s electrical activity.
You’ll need to lie still during the test, which takes about 10 minutes.
Unless Dr. Arora says otherwise, you can resume your daily routine after your EKG.
What is the significance of my EKG results?
The results of your EKG help Dr. Arora see if you have a heart problem that needs further testing or treatment. If your in-office EKG results are inconclusive, Dr. Arora could have you do Holter monitor (portable EKG) testing at home so that he can track the rhythm of your heart for a day or two.
Call Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, today for expert cardiology care from a physician who puts your health first.