Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An office-based electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fast, painless test that checks the electrical activity of your heart. It is commonly used if you have symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat. It may also be part of routine heart screening for patients with risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
An ECG helps identify:
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Diagnostic features of many heart conditions
- Signs of heart strain or damage
- Possible evidence of a past or current heart attack
This test is important because it can detect heart problems early, even before symptoms become severe. Early evaluation allows for timely treatment, helping lower the risk of serious conditions like heart attack or stroke. It can also improve quality of life by managing symptoms and guiding the right care plan.
Having an ECG done in an office setting is convenient and more affordable than hospital-based testing.
