Here's Why You Should Schedule An Atlanta Urgent Care EKG

Ensuring your heart is healthy is paramount. If you experience hypertension, hypotension, or chest pains, it's well worth getting an urgent care EKG exam near you in Atlanta.

How An EKG Works

An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. Medical professionals can use it to detect heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart attacks.

If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or a history of heart disease, your doctor may recommend scheduling an EKG.

EKGs are also a preventive measure if you have a medical history of heart problems.

It is always best to consult medical experts about your risk factors and whether an EKG is appropriate.

Heart Conditions EKGs Detect

An EKG (electrocardiogram) can detect a variety of heart conditions, including:

Arrhythmias. An EKG can detect abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia.
Heart attacks. An EKG can detect changes in the electrical activity of the heart that occurs during a heart attack, such as ST elevation or depression.
Heart disease. An EKG can detect signs of heart disease, such as thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy) or blockages in the coronary arteries.
Heart valve problems. An EKG can detect problems with the heart valves, such as stenosis or regurgitation.
Pericarditis. An EKG can detect inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium).
Pulmonary embolism. An EKG can detect specific signs of a blocked artery in the lung.

It's important to note that an EKG is just one diagnostic tool. Professionals should interpret results with other clinical and laboratory findings, as well as patients' symptoms and medical history.

Urgent Care EKG FAQs

With something as important as heart health, people, understandably, have pressing questions about urgent care EKGs and the process.

Will EKG Show Heart Attacks?

An EKG can detect certain signs of a heart attack. It detects changes in the heart's electrical activity that occurs during a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. This lack of oxygen can cause damage to the heart muscle.

An EKG can show if there is damage to the heart muscle by detecting changes in the heart's electrical activity. These changes can indicate that a heart attack has occurred or is occurring.

However, it is essential to note that not all heart attacks will be visible on an EKG. Sometimes other diagnostic tests, like blood tests, cardiac enzymes, echocardiogram, or angiogram, might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

It is always important to seek medical attention immediately if you think you may be experiencing a heart attack. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your outcomes.

What Are EKG Abnormalities?

EKG abnormalities refer to any deviation from the normal pattern of electrical activity in the heart as seen on an electrocardiogram test.

Arrhythmias. An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. This can include a too-fast, too-slow, or irregular heartbeat.
ST-segment elevation or depression. The ST segment of an EKG represents the period when the ventricles are depolarizing. An elevation or depression in this segment can indicate acute coronary syndrome.
T wave inversion. T wave inversion can be a sign of ischemia or infarction.
Q waves. Q waves can indicate a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack).
PR interval prolongation. PR interval prolongation can be a sign of an abnormal conduction system.
QT interval prolongation. QT interval prolongation can be a sign of electrolyte imbalance or genetic disorders.

Are EKG And ECG The Same Test?

Yes. 'ECG' is the more commonly used term in Europe, while 'EKG' is more widely used in the United States.

Both terms refer to the same test and are used interchangeably. They measure the same thing, which is the heart's electrical activity, and the procedure is the same regardless of the terminology.

Can You Get An EKG At An Urgent Care In Atlanta?

Yes, at WestsideMed, our medical professionals are well-versed in operating the EKG machine and can help you spot any issues with your heart health. Along with annual physical exams, chronic care management, and other crucial medical services.