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About EKG
If you experience signs of a heart condition, like chest pain and difficulty breathing, the first diagnostic test you need is an electrocardiogram (EKG). The medical team at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania has extensive experience performing EKGs in the office. They can quickly check your heart and recommend the next step for protecting your health. They have 12 offices in Nuremberg, Sullivan Trail Falls, Freeland, Hazleton, Monroe Township, Wilkes-Barre, Shickshinny, and Edwardsville, Pennsylvania. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call the nearest office today.
"Every staff member in this clinic, from the receptionist to the doctor, are always so genuinely friendly, caring, and helpful..."
"They truly care about their patients and what they do."
"Everyone working there is always pleasant and courteous and make you feel at ease."
EKG Q & A
What is an EKG?
An EKG is a diagnostic test that shows the electrical activity in your heart. With every heartbeat, an electrical signal travels through your heart muscles. This signal makes the muscles contract in a pattern that pushes blood through your heart and out to your body.
Your EKG shows if your heart's electrical signals are healthy and regular. The test also reveals the time it takes for electrical signals to go through your heart and if any areas are overworked or not working properly.
When would I need an EKG?
Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania performs an EKG when patients have dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. When you have heart palpitations, you experience sensations such as a racing heartbeat or fluttering in your chest.
An EKG can help diagnose conditions such as:
- An abnormal heartbeat
- Heart inflammation
- Coronary artery blockages
- Damaged heart muscles
- Enlarged heart muscles
- Malfunctioning valves
- Heart attacks
- Heart defects
If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, your provider may recommend an EKG to screen for problems even before you have symptoms.
What increases my risk for heart disease?
Things that increase your risk for heart disease include:
- Age
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Lack of exercise
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
During your annual physical, your provider routinely screens your risk factors and recommends lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease.
What happens during an EKG?
When you get an EKG, your provider places 10 self-adhesive electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs. If needed, they shave body hair in the areas where they need to place the electrodes.
Your provider uses wires to connect each electrode to the EKG machine.
You only need to relax and lie still while the electrodes pick up electrical activity. The electrodes send the signals to the EKG machine, and the machine records them on paper.
Your electrodes may feel cold at first, but an EKG is completely painless. It typically takes 10 minutes to attach and connect all the electrodes; recording your electrical signals takes just a few minutes.
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, call Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania or book an appointment online today.