Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An electrocardiogram records in a few minutes how your heart beats: the rhythm, the rate and the signs that the muscle is under strain. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Pasadena it is done in the clinic, with no appointment, and the medical team interprets it with you at the same visit.

What is an electrocardiogram for?

To detect arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, signs of a recent or old heart attack, poor blood flow to the heart, thickening of the heart muscle from years of high blood pressure, and changes caused by potassium or calcium out of range. It is also part of work physicals, pre-surgery checkups and sports evaluations when the physician orders it.

When should I have one?

If you have palpitations, chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath with exertion, dizziness or fainting; if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol and have never had one; if you start a medication that affects heart rhythm; or if a form requires it. With intense chest pain, cold sweat or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, do not come to the clinic: call 911.

How is it done, and how long does it take?

You lie down, small areas of skin on the chest, arms and legs are cleaned, and adhesive electrodes connected to the machine are placed. You need to stay still and relaxed for a few seconds while it records. In all it takes about 10 minutes. It does not hurt, sends no electricity into the body and uses no radiation, and you can have it even if you are pregnant.

Do I need preparation?

No fasting is needed. Avoid creams or oils on the chest that day, wear clothing that is easy to remove and, if possible, do not exercise hard or drink coffee right before, since they speed up the pulse. Bring your medication list and, if you have them, previous electrocardiograms to compare.

What if it is abnormal?

Many abnormalities are normal variants or are explained by blood pressure, a fast pulse or a medication. When the tracing shows something that needs workup, the physician orders labs, adjusts treatment for blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol and, when appropriate, guides a cardiology referral for an echocardiogram, a Holter monitor or a stress test. If the finding is urgent, you are sent to the emergency room right then.

How much does an electrocardiogram cost in Pasadena?

We give you the price by phone at (281) 747-8817. No health insurance is needed; we accept cash and cards. When it is part of a checkup with labs, it is quoted together.

What is the visit like?

Walk in from 9 AM to 9 PM, the physician reviews your symptoms and blood pressure, the study is done and interpreted at the same visit. You leave with your result and instructions. The blood tests that usually go with it, such as cholesterol and glucose, are drawn at the same time; for the DOT physical or the men's checkup it is included when the physician orders it.

Medical center near you in Pasadena and Houston, TX

We are a Hispanic clinic in the Houston, TX area: we care for patients across Pasadena and South Houston, South Belt, Genoa, Sagemont, Galena Park, Deer Park, Hobby (Houston) and surrounding communities.