Did your doctor recently recommend that you get an electrocardiogram, or an EKG? Don’t be alarmed. It is more common than you think. The risk factors span the coverage of many different types of people:

• Anybody over the age of 50 — whether they’re male or female

• Anybody with a smoking history

• Anybody with a history of diabetes,

• Hypertension

• High cholesterol

• Early family history of heart disease or arrhythmias

If you fall under one of these categories, it is very smart to listen to your medical professional and go forth with the exam. A painless, 10 minute, non-invasive test, we are sure that you will be glad you received the test.

What exactly is an electrocardiogram?

An EKG is a test that records the electrical activity of your ticker through small electrode patches that a technician attaches to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs.

Where does this happen?

For first-times to electrocardiograms, the test is administered by someone in our office. There is no extended overnight stays, no going out of town, it all happens right here at Cardiovascular Institute of the Shoals.

What happens during the test?

Let’s start out at the beginning, when you come in for your appointment – we will get you assigned to a room. From there, your technician will place 10 electrodes to your skin by using adhesive pads. These will be attached on your arms, chest, and legs.

You’ll notice during the test, a computer creating a picture on graph paper. This is the electrical impulses that are moving through your heart.