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The electrocardiogram is the most basic test for providing information about the rhythm of your heart beat and the condition of your heart muscle.
It is commonly referred to as an EKG or ECG. An EKG is simply a picture that shows the patterns made by the electrical currents which cause your
heart to beat or pump. This electrical activity is picked up by small, self-adhesive patches called electrodes that are placed on the surface of
your skin. The currents appear as a series of waves on a paper printout. Analysis of these waves is used to assess heart size, heart damage, and
disturbances of heart rhythm.
An EKG takes about five minutes to complete and requires no special preparation. It is an excellent test for indicating whether or not there might
be a problem with your heart. Comparing your current EKG with a previous EKG often adds important information. Other tests described in this section,
allow your doctor to pinpoint the exact type, location, and severity of specific conditions. An EKG is frequently used in conjunction with these
other diagnostic tests.
A chest X-ray is a diagnostic test that shows a basic picture of the bone structures and organs of the chest. By looking at your chest X-ray, your
doctor is able to get an idea about the size of your heart, but more importantly, the condition of your lungs. For example, chest X-rays can show
whether or not your lungs have accumulated fluid or if you have pneumonia. A chest X-ray is painless, requires no special preparation, and takes
only a few minutes to obtain. It is usually performed in the radiology department by a technician, but can also be performed using a portable
X-ray machine in a hospital room or doctor's office.
Holter and event monitoring are diagnostic tests that are used to determine if your heart rhythm is abnormal. These tests require you to wear a
special type of portable heart monitor that is attached to your skin with two or three electrodes. The monitor itself is about the size of a
deck of playing cards and works like a tiny EKG (see above) machine. A holter monitor is usually worn for one to two days and records every heart beat during
that period. The tape is retrieved from the monitor, scanned on a computer by a technologist, then interpreted by a doctor. This test is most
beneficial if your doctor thinks you are frequently having irregular heart rhythms.
If you are experiencing symptoms less frequently, then your doctor may order an event monitor instead of a holter monitor. This monitor is worn
longer and is sometimes called a loop recorder. When you experience a symptom, you can activate the event recorder and it will then "hold on"
to the information about your heart's rhythm during the preceding minute. You then can transmit this information over the telephone (day or night),
and the recorded EKG results are sent to your doctor.
There is no special preparation for an event or holter monitor. If your doctor orders a holter or event monitor for you, you will receive additional
instructions when the test is scheduled.
Choose a topic at left and click for more information on Cardiovascular Diagnostic Tests.
Copyright ©2005 Michigan Heart & Vascular Institute. All rights reserved.
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