Electrocardiogram (EKG)

What is the test like?

• You lie on your back with your chest, wrists and ankles uncovered
• A few cool-feeling electrodes are stuck to your skin
• You hold still for a few minutes while the machine records
• The pads come off and you go on with your day, no restrictions

What can it show?

• Whether your rhythm is regular, fast or slow
• Extra beats or pauses between beats
• Signs that the heart is working too hard, for example after years of high blood pressure
• Changes that suggest the heart muscle isn't getting enough oxygen

How should I prepare?

Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to uncover your chest, skip lotions and oils on your skin that day and let us know if you have a pacemaker. Sometimes a little chest hair has to be shaved so the pads stick. Coffee and cigarettes right before can speed up your heart rate, so save them for afterward.

Who reads the tracing?

The clinic's medical team reviews the tracing and explains what it shows. If something needs a closer look, we guide your referral to a specialist. If you live with high blood pressure or diabetes, the EKG can become part of your chronic condition care.

Chest pain: don't wait

If you feel pressure-like chest pain that spreads to your arm or jaw, with a cold sweat or shortness of breath, call 911. That's not something a clinic test can handle.

Where is it done?

At 13331 Kuykendahl Rd Ste 128, Houston, TX 77090, with an accessible entrance and free parking right outside. Walk in between 9 AM and 9 PM; we tell you the price before we start, and you can check our promotions.