EKG

EKG Services

Take Care Of Your Heart

An electrocardiogram (EKG) measures your heart's electrical activity. This noninvasive test can measure many aspects, from how fast the heart beats to how well its chambers conduct electrical energy. EKG tests are a great way to detect a wide range of heart problems. At the Kittell Clinic, we will offer the best EKG testing services, along with using the best equipment, that will allow us to get clear picture of your heart, and to diagnose any problems that may be there. 
  • What is an EKG?

    An electrocardiogram, or EKG, is a painless test that records the electrical signals in your heart. An EKG can help your physician assess your heart’s health and detect abnormalities.

  • How does an EKG work?

    Each of your heartbeats is triggered by an electrical impulse that’s normally generated from pacemaker cells in a chamber within your heart. An EKG effectively records the strength and timing of these signals traveling through your heart.


    This painless procedure only takes a few minutes. You will lay on an examining table or bed, and your provider will place electrodes on your chest and sometimes your limbs. The electrode patches each have a wire attached to a machine that records the electrical activity of your heart.


    You will be able to continue with you day as normal after the test. 

  • What does an EKG do?
    • Checks your heart rhythm
    • See if you have poor blood flow to your heart muscle (this is called ischemia)
    • Diagnose a heart attack
    • Check on things that are abnormal, with your heart such as thickened heart muscle
    • Detects if there are significant electrolyte abnormalities, such as high potassium or high or low calcium.
  • Why would I need an EKG?
    • A previous heart attack
    • Irregularities in your heart rhythm
    • Structural problems with the chambers of your heart
    • How well some ongoing heart disease treatments are working, such as a pacemaker
    • If narrowed or blocked arteries in your heart are causing chest pain or presenting a high risk of heart attack

    If you experience certain symptoms such as chest pain, a rapid pulse, heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath, your doctor might recommend an EKG to rule out any underlying medical complications concerning your heart.

  • How do I prepare for an EKG?

    Some things you can do to get yourself ready for your EKG appointment:

    • Avoid applying oily or greasy skin creams and lotions on your skin the day of the test. These things can keep the electrodes from making contact with your skin. 
    • Avoid full-length hosiery. This is because the electrodes need to be placed directly on your legs.
    • Wear a shirt that you can remove easily to place the leads of the EKG on your chest.
    • If you have chest hair or longer hair on the top of your legs, you may have to shave those areas. This is so the leads will have a good connection on your skin.
  • What happens during an EKG?

    We understand that any sort of medical testing can be scary. Don't worry, here is what will happen during this exam.

    • 10 electrodes with adhesive pads will be attached to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs.
    • You will first lie flat while a computer creates a "picture" of the electrical impulses that move through your heart. This is known as your "resting"EKG.
    • You may be asked to have the same test performed while standing, sitting or exercising.
    • It takes about 10 minutes to attach all of the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds.
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