Experiencing chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath? At LA Urgent Care, we offer in-office EKG testing to quickly assess your heart’s electrical activity, providing vital information to diagnose potential cardiac issues.

An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a simple, non-invasive test that measures the electrical signals of your heart. This quick procedure helps our providers evaluate your heart’s rhythm and function, and it is a crucial tool for diagnosing various heart-related conditions, especially when symptoms are a concern.

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What Is an EKG and What Does It Measure?

Every time your heart beats, it generates an electrical impulse. An EKG machine records these signals, translating them into a graph that our medical team can interpret. This test helps us detect a wide range of cardiac issues, including:

  • Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, such as a heart that is beating too fast, too slow, or in an uneven pattern.
  • Heart Attack Signs: An EKG can show evidence of a past heart attack or signs that a heart attack is currently happening.
  • Heart Damage: It can indicate damage to the heart muscle from conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure.
  • Poor Blood Flow: It can reveal a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle, a condition known as ischemia.

The EKG Procedure: Fast, Painless, and Safe

Getting an EKG is a quick and straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.

  1. Preparation: You will be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that may interfere with the test. Our provider will then clean the areas where the electrodes will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
  2. Electrode Placement: Small, sticky patches called electrodes will be placed on your skin. These are connected by wires to the EKG machine. The electrodes simply pick up your heart’s electrical signals and do not generate any electricity themselves.
  3. The Test: You will be asked to lie still for a few moments as the machine records your heart’s activity. The process is completely painless.
  4. Results: Once the test is complete, our provider will review the results. If the EKG reveals a serious or life-threatening condition, we will provide immediate care and guidance for a higher level of treatment.

When to Seek an EKG

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention, as an EKG may be necessary:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations or a fluttering feeling in your chest
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Unexplained fatigue

Don’t wait. If you are concerned about your heart health, walk into LA Urgent Care for prompt, professional care and on-site EKG testing.