KVH Hospital provides both standard cardiac stress testing and cardiac stress echocardiogram testing.
KVH Hospital provides both inpatient and outpatient electrocardiogram (EKG) services. The EKG is used by your physician to analyze the electrical activity of the heart, identify heart damage, identify irregular rhythms, and to identify potential problems before they occur. This service is available to everyone even if your physician is outside the area.
This service requires a physician’s order that must include the specific indication for the EKG. You must have an appointment to get an EKG.
What is a Electrocardiogram?
An ECG (also called an “electrocardiogram”) is a test that records a person’s heart rate (how fast it beats) and rhythm. It does this by measuring the electrical activity in the heart. A normal heartbeat happens when an electrical signal starts in a spot near the top of the heart. This signal follows a path to spread across the heart. As it spreads, the signal causes the heart muscle to squeeze. Each time the heart squeezes (“beats”), it pumps blood through the whole body.
Your doctor might order an ECG to:
How to Prepare
There are no special preparations necessary for a standard electrocardiogram unless otherwise directed. If you are on any heart medicines, you might also need to change or stop some of them before the test. Your doctor or nurse should tell you if you need to change or stop any of your medicines.
This drawing shows a person having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). There are patches, called “electrodes,” stuck onto the chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
