The electrocardiogram, or EKG, is one of the most important methods of testing your heart’s health and function. Experienced internal medicine specialist Adrienne Burrows, MD, offers EKG testing at Coast and Aloe Medicine and Aesthetics in Santa Monica, California. If you have symptoms of heart disease or need monitoring of an existing condition, call the West Los Angeles area office or make an appointment using the online tool to schedule your EKG.
An EKG is a diagnostic tool to evaluate your heart’s rhythm. An electrical impulse that provides the power to deliver nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood throughout your body characterizes each beat of your heart. When the beats are too fast, too slow, or too aggressive, it could indicate a problem with your heart’s health and/or function.
With an EKG, Dr. Burrows at Coast and Aloe Medicine and Aesthetics measures your heart’s activity by tracking these electrical impulses. She can see if you’re at risk for a major incident and give you a treatment plan to reduce this risk.
If you have a suspected underlying heart condition, an EKG is one of the first steps in diagnosis. People at risk of heart attack are older, smokers, and overweight. You may also have symptoms that warrant an EKG.
Some of the common symptoms of heart trouble include:
If nausea or digestive problems accompany these symptoms, or you have a history of excessive snoring, EKG is definitely in order. Schedule an appointment at Coast and Aloe Medicine and Aesthetics soon to avoid a complication.
The EKG is a simple, painless test. Dr. Burrows or a technician attaches electrodes to various points on your chest as a machine records the electrical activity. You may need to have the area shaved prior to testing, but you require no anesthesia or numbing cream. The test gives Dr. Burrows information in a matter of minutes.
Your diagnosis really depends on what the EKG shows. If your heart looks normal, Dr. Burrows may run other tests to determine why you’re having symptoms. If you have evidence of a heart condition or a heart attack, she offers immediate recommendations for treatment or refers you to the appropriate specialist.
To receive comprehensive testing of your heart’s health using an EKG, call Coast and Aloe Medicine and Aesthetics or schedule an appointment soon using the online tool.
