EKG

Sunnyvale Cardiology Our Services EKG

Sunnyvale Cardiology

Cardiology located in Sunnyvale, TX

An electrocardiogram, or EKG, is one of the most commonly used cardiac diagnostic procedures — and for good reason. This simple, noninvasive test gives Prasad Maddukuri, MD, FACC, MRCP, and Larry Moore, MD, FACC, a range of key information about your heart, helping to keep your heart in top health. Whether you’ve been told you need an EKG or you just want to learn more about this powerful tool, call Sunnyvale Cardiology in Sunnyvale, Texas, or schedule your appointment online.

EKG Q & A

What is an EKG?

An electrocardiogram — often called an EKG or ECG for short — is a test that monitors your heart’s electrical signals. When you see heart rate readouts on monitors in hospital rooms, those readouts are often captured via EKG.

Electrodes attached to your chest gather data from the EKG. These are small, sticky pads that are simply applied to your chest like stickers. In some EKGs, the electrodes will also be applied to your limbs. Most EKGs take just minutes. The electrodes record your heart’s activity during that time, and Dr. Maddukuri, Dr. Mallick, and Dr. Moore use that information for a wide range of purposes.

What is the purpose of an EKG?

An electrocardiogram is a versatile tool. It shows whether your heart is getting enough oxygen and if it’s beating at a regular rhythm. Dr. Maddukuri, Dr. Mallick, and Dr. Moore use this data to determine:

  • If there may be structural issues with your heart
  • The root cause of certain symptoms, like shortness of breath or palpitations
  • If you have an irregular heartbeat
  • If medical measures — like medication or a pacemaker — are effective
  • The state of your overall heart health

 

The EKGs performed at Sunnyvale Cardiology usually take just a few minutes. The procedure is pain-free, and you lie flat during it so you can relax.

That said, if your heartbeat is irregular only some of the time, an in-office EKG may not pick it up. That’s why Sunnyvale Cardiology also offers Holter monitors.

What is a Holter monitor?

A Holter monitor is a type of EKG that you can wear with you throughout the day. Just like an EKG, a Holter monitor uses electrodes that stick to the surface of your skin.

You usually wear the Holter monitor for 24 consecutive hours, during which it continuously monitors your heart. With a larger sample size of data on your heart’s performance, Dr. Maddukuri, and Dr. Moore can get a more accurate view of your heart health.

With an EKG, whether performed in-office or taken by a Holter monitor, Dr. Maddukuri, and Dr. Moore can learn what they need to know to keep your heart healthy. If you’re ready to schedule your EKG, call Sunnyvale Cardiology or book it online.

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