What to Expect During an ECG at Your Primary Care Doctor’s Office

Preparation

The physician will ask you to remove any jewelry or undress to your waist and wear a gown. Sometimes, patients may need to clip or shave a small amount of hair on their arms, chests, or legs so the electrodes can stick to the skin. It’s advisable to avoid greasy or oily lotions or creams, as they can interfere with the electrode adhesion. Before the actual test, take a few moments to relax and breathe normally to prevent temporary changes in your heart rhythm.

During the Test

After cleaning specific areas on your chest, legs, and arms, your primary care doctor in Riverdale, MD will attach sticky patches called electrodes. These patches have wires that connect to an ECG machine, so remaining still and relaxed is crucial to ensure accurate results. The technician or physician will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds, allowing the machine to record the electrical signals from your heart.

After the Test

Finally, the machine will be disconnected and the electrodes removed, causing slight discomfort similar to removing a bandage. Fortunately, the procedure is non-invasive, and you can resume your routine after your appointment.

After a successful ECG test, primary care doctors often review the results, looking for patterns in the electrical signals to gain insight into the heart’s rate and rhythm. Patients can access the results on the same day or at a later appointment, allowing physicians to discuss the results and what they mean. In the case of abnormalities, further tests may be recommended.

What Are the Advantages of ECGs?

Electrocardiograms are used in a wide range of clinical settings, from screening and preoperative evaluations to ongoing monitoring and emergency assessments. Let’s explore the advantages of ECG tests to ensure a seamless process.

Not Invasive

As mentioned, an electrocardiogram (ECG) test is minimally invasive, painless, and straightforward. This means you can schedule a test and resume daily activities soon after without worrying about the effects of invasive tests. Additionally, ECG tests don’t require downtime to recover, making them ideal if you want to leave the doctor’s office straight for work.

Rapid Diagnosis

Another advantage of an ECG test is rapid diagnosis, as the results of the test are produced within no time. This makes the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease faster than conventional solutions. Also, an ECG test can evaluate the effectiveness of medication and help monitor the progression of cardiac disorders.

Cost-Effective

While ECGs can significantly improve patient care, they are not expensive compared to other diagnostic tools. Primary care doctors don’t have to use invasive techniques or incorporate specialized tools, which may be expensive. A patient can schedule an in-office test and complete the process in no time without breaking the bank.

Heart issues can go undetected until it is too late, prompting early intervention. An ECG provides an effective diagnostic and monitoring tool to keep these conditions at bay. Contact us at Southern Maryland Medical Group to book an ECG test and enjoy good cardiac health for years to come.