An electrocardiogram, or EKG, measures the electrical signals that control the rhythm of your heartbeat. Electrodes attached to an individuals chest, arms, and legs, and to a machine that translates the electrical activity on paper to be review by a physician.
Electrocardiogram may show:
- Evidence of heart enlargement
- Signs of insufficient blood flow to the heart
- Signs of a new or previous injury to the heart
- Arrhythmias: heart rhythm problems
- Changes in the electrical activity of the heart caused by an electrolyte imbalance
- Pericarditis: signs of inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart
Hours: EKG's are performed 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Technician available 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday--Friday; 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday--Sunday. Inpatient EKG's done by calling house supervisor after the above hours.
