How an electrocardiogram from your internal medicine and pulmonology doctor in New York, NY, can help you

An electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG, is a simple, painless diagnostic test which measures and records the electrical activity of your heart. Dr. Len Horovitz in New York, NY, provides a wide range of internal medicine and pulmonology services, including EKGs and other diagnostic tests.

An EKG is a common diagnostic test which is useful in the diagnosis of:

• Diminished blood flow to the heart muscle
• Thickening and other changes to the heart muscle
• Changes in heart rhythm
• A previous heart attack

During an EKG, small electrodes are placed on the skin of your arms, legs, and chest areas. Your heart’s electrical impulses are measured and recorded on a computer monitor or printer. They appear as wave patterns. The entire test, including preparation takes about 10 minutes.

To prepare for an EKG, remember to:

• Avoid using any skin creams or lotions on the day of the test because they can cause the electrodes to slip on the skin
• Avoid wearing any hosiery on your legs because electrodes need to be on your skin
• Wear clothing which opens in the front, to make attaching the chest electrodes easy

Your internal medicine and pulmonology specialist may recommend additional diagnostic tests to check for heart issues. Additional common tests include:

A Holter monitor, which is a portable EKG you can wear for a few days; this test is used to check for abnormal heart rhythm and insufficient blood flow to the heart.

An event monitor, which records your heart’s electrical impulse for a few minutes when you push a button; this test is used to record electrical rhythms when you notice symptoms.

To learn more about EKGs and other diagnostic tests and how they can benefit you, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Len Horovitz in New York, NY. You can reach him in the office by calling (212) 744-3001, so call now.