Many doctors recommend EKGs as a preventive screening tool for people with a family history of heart disease. Although a healthy person does not need an EKG as part of an annual exam, many doctors will recommend an EKG if they are in doubt. If a patient complains of chest pain, palpitations, or other indicators of heart problems, the doctor will likely recommend an EKG test right away. Depending on the severity of the situation, your doctor may refer you to a local testing center right away or ask you to schedule the next available appointment.
An abnormal EKG is determined by comparing the results of your EKG graph to a standard or normal heart graph. Peaks and troughs within the chart are labeled P, QR, and PR and other similar acronyms. Normal EKG readings show a slight flat drop between contractions and relaxations. If these flat drops are not present, it may be an indication of a more serious problem. Normal EKG readings will also have spikes and dips.
Myocardial defects, heart valve disease, heart enlargement, heart inflammation, coronary artery disease, and past, pending, or impending heart attacks are just a few of the problems that EKGs can help detect . The conditions in which the EKG is performed can also have an impact on the accuracy of the results. Some heart problems are not present all the time and therefore may not show up on the EKG results. In cases where heart problems are suspected but not detected on the EKG, a Holter monitor may be recommended. This monitor is typically worn for a period of 24 to 48 hours and serves as a type of mini-EKG test. The patient wears the monitor at home and continuously records cardiac activity. Doctors also recommend that the patient be relaxed during the test because any tremors or muscle contractions can alter the results and lead to an inaccurate reading.
Many people are surprised to learn that they have had an abnormal EKG reading. What’s even more surprising is that when presented with abnormal EKG results, some doctors seem unconcerned. It does not necessarily mean that they are inappropriate or indifferent doctors, it is more likely that they believe that something else has caused the abnormal reading. Most will want to do more tests or another EKG. Sometimes an event as simple as low blood sugar can have a disruptive effect, producing false EKG readings. Other times, abnormal EKGs require further testing to determine what, if any, problems really exist.
