How Often Should I Get an EKG?
EKGs are recommended to be performed annually on middle-aged or elderly people who have heart attack risk factors such as high blood pressure, low cholesterol, or diabetes, even if they are in good health. At PACS Urgent Care, Dr. Khaled Said MD, Dr. Walid Hammad, and the medical team prioritize your heart health by offering safe, professional, and affordable EKG testing. If you want more information about our EKG services, diagnostic specialists, or facility, contact us today or walk in for a same-day appointment. We would be happy to help support you! We have convenient locations in Alexandria, VA, and Ruther Glen VA.
Table of Contents:
At what age should you get a routine EKG?
What does a good EKG rule out?
What are the reasons a person would get an EKG?
How much is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that is used to check for signs of heart disease, previous heart attack, and/or other cardiac anomalies. They can be issued as part of a routine check-up to ensure the health of your heart, or they may be prescribed to you if your doctor suspects that there is a problem with your heart.
This pain-free and non-invasive diagnostic test records the electrical activity of your heart via small electrodes that are placed on the skin of your arms, legs, and chest, where it can then be interpreted by your physician.
The American Heart Association recommends that people over the age of 20 have regular yearly heart screenings. This includes having your weight and body mass index measured, having your blood, cholesterol, and glucose levels checked, and having your weight circumference measured.
Above or below normal results for any of these readings may indicate poor heart health, so it’s important to monitor them to help minimize risks early.
If you have risk factors or heart conditions running in your family, your doctor may send you in for regular electrocardiograms (EKG) even if you have no symptoms.
However, The American Heart Association doesn’t typically recommend getting an EKG if you’re at low risk.
An EKG can help you pinpoint the cause of your health issue and, likewise, can help your physician rule out other conditions. Most commonly, EKGs are used to determine or rule out:
● A previous heart attack.
● Coronary heart disease.
● If the arteries around your heart have narrowed.
● If there are blocked arteries in the heart.
● If there is a malfunctioning of any heart equipment (such as a pacemaker) happening.
● Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
An EKG is the best test for either confirming or ruling out suspected heart issues, which helps your doctor to give you the highest level of support moving forward.
EKGs are designed to help you safeguard your cardiac wellness. Your doctor may send you for an EKG to:
● Identify the cause of chest pain.
● Evaluate heart-related problems, such as severe fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and/or fainting.
● Identify irregular heartbeats.
● Assess the overall health of the heart before other medical procedures, such as surgery.
● Assess and monitor your heart health after treatment.
● Determine if you had a previous heart attack.
● Measure blood flow and heart rate.
● Assess if your implanted device, such as a pacemaker, is working properly.
● Determine how specific medications, such as blood thinners, are working.
● Have a baseline of your heart health on record.
If you have risk factors or heart conditions running in your family, your doctor may send you in for regular electrocardiograms (EKG) even if you have no symptoms. In some cases, EKGs may also be issued as a part of your annual health check.
The price attached to an EKG will vary depending on your geographical location, the state you live in, the type of health center you are going to, and any health insurance that you may have to help offset the cost.
EKGs conducted in the hospital are typically more expensive than those performed in smaller medical centers, such as urgent care facilities.
Without insurance, the average cost of an EKGis between $150-$300.
It’s important to check with your facility if the cost of your electrocardiogram and medical consultation will be bundled together or if they have their separate costs. If you have insurance, you’ll also want to ensure that your coverage is accepted at their specific location as some clinics only work with certain insurance providers.
If you’re looking for an EKG as part of a routine examination, or need it for a potential heart issue, contact us at PACS Urgent Care. We offer comprehensive diagnostic imaging, walk-in appointments, and extended hours for your ultimate convenience. We have convenient locations in Alexandria, VA, and Ruther Glen VA. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Ruther Glen VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.
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