EKG Testing Clinic in Cincinnati, OH

An EKG service is a diagnostic test that is entirely pain-free and non-invasive and used to record the electrical activity of your heart. Also referred to as an electrocardiogram, this service is able to measure the rate at which your heart is beating, if it is too fast or too slow, as well as if there are any irregularities in the rhythm. An EKG can be performed within a healthcare provider’s office, clinic, or a hospital. The system uses electrodes stuck onto specific parts of the body with a skin-safe adhesive to determine the length of time it takes for an electrical wave to pass from one section of the heart to another. EKGs are able to identify if you are currently having a heart attack or have had one in the past, monitor your heart if you have already been diagnosed with a heart condition, to assess how your heart is responding to treatment (a new medication or implementation of a pacemaker, for example), or to check your heart health before going into surgery.

An EKG is performed by adhering to small plastic patches that hold electrodes to specific spots on the body, typically on the chest, legs, and arms. Lead wires are then attached to the patches to connect the electrodes to the EKG machine. Once everything is in place, the electrical activity occurring between the various electrodes will be measured while no external electricity will be sent into the body, only the naturally produced electrical current is being measured within the body. The electrical activity that is measured will be interpreted by the machine and then printed out onto paper so that it can be observed by the health care provider.

Unlike most medical diagnostic tests, you do not really need to do anything to prepare for an EKG, you can continue eating and drinking normally. When you are at the clinic and getting prepped for the EKG, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown so that the electrodes can be placed with ease, so you may want to consider wearing clothes that are easy to remove and put back on after the EKG is complete. As well, you do not need to shave beforehand, but the service provider may need to shave the chest, arms, or legs just where the electrodes need to adhere to the skin quickly before they can be attached to your body. They will only shave as much as is required for proper adhering. The only thing you should consider avoiding before the procedure is smoking just before the test as that may influence the results.

The best way to protect your heart health is by ensuring you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some factors that contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle include:

• Staying active
• Maintaining a healthy balanced diet
• Manage your weight and seek medical attention if you experience drastic changes in weight or require help keeping your weight regulated
• Consume alcohol and unhealthy foods only in moderation
• Avoid smoking and keep your distance from secondhand smoke whenever possible
• Learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress levels
• Keep a regular sleep schedule

All of these tips can help to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate regulated which will all contribute to a healthy heart. Managing your heart health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will also just make you feel more energized and better on a day-to-day basis, so even if you do not seem to be at risk for heart conditions or disease, it is highly recommended that you maintain a healthy lifestyle just to protect your overall health as you age. For more information, contact us or book a same-day priority appointment. We are conveniently located at 872 Ohio Pike Cincinnati, OH 45245. We serve patients from Cincinnati OH, Covedale OH, Delhi OH, St Bernard OH, Wilders KY, and Elmwood Place OH.