What Are the Signs You Need an EKG Test?
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An EKG test gives board-certified physician Dr. Avi Ishaaya helpful information about his patients’ health in Los Angeles, CA. At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers, we help our patients monitor risks associated with heart health and their overall health. An EKG test helps us learn about your current and future health at the same time. For some patients experiencing an irregular heartbeat, such as fluttering, usually, this is harmless. It can be caused by exercise, medication, or even stress. However, for those experiencing it with a pre-existing condition or in combination with other symptoms, it is important to have an EKG test in Los Angeles.
What is an EKG test used for?
An EKG test is a noninvasive test that is used to diagnose common heart problems in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Ishaaya uses this heart test to detect:
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An abnormal heart rhythm (known as arrhythmia)
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Blocked or narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease)
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Previous heart attacks
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Heart valve disease
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Coronary heart disease
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Heart failure
What symptoms warrant needing heart testing?
You may need an EKG if you are experiencing any or all of the following symptoms:
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness
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Heart palpitations (that are getting worse)
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Rapid pulse
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Extreme fatigue
Ultimately, the American Heart Association doesn't recommend using heart testing to assess adults who are low risk without any symptoms. During a visit to Dr. Ishaaya Centers, we can discuss your symptoms to determine if we believe that heart testing is right for your particular health.
What is the difference between EKG and echo stress tests?
An EKG stress test is a common heart test and is more of a screen test. At our Los Angeles, CA center, we place nodes on your chest wall that allow us to track the rhythm of the heart. This gives us helpful information about both your heart rate and rhythm. It also helps us diagnose abnormal heart tracings, including either a low or fast heart rate, an irregular heartbeat, or even a blockage. This heart test gives Dr. Ishaaya clues about possible abnormalities in your heart muscle or even an enlargement of a heart chamber.
An echo stress test is usually used in patients with signs of heart disease. During a stress test, your heart is imaged with echocardiography while it is at rest and after exercise. This heart ultrasound uses vibrations to create a picture of your heart while in motion. You start by walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike until you reach your target heart rate. Next, we take an echocardiogram. The test will continue with you performing different exercises where your heart is continuously monitored and recorded. This allows us to see if blood flow is good, if there is any dead heart muscle tissue, or if you are experiencing any abnormal muscle contractions.
What happens after heart testing?
After you have an EKG test, Dr. Ishaaya can make lifestyle recommendations for you, depending on your heart testing results. Some possible suggestions include:
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Diet and/or nutrition counseling
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Heart medication
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Smoking cessation
As a team, we customize a treatment plan that works best for each of our patient’s health. Best of all, an EKG test can detect problems before anything serious happens.
Learn how an EKG test can save lives
When you want to make sure that your heart is working optimally, Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers offers heart testing. An EKG test treats conditions, such as heart disease, in its early stages before they are life-threatening. Preventative medicine and lifestyle changes help our patients improve and then maintain their quality of life. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Avi Ishaaya in Los Angeles, CA, to learn more about what an EKG test can do for your health today.