Some diseases, injuries and conditions can be hard to diagnose because they do not show external symptoms. Modern medicine has seen the development of countless diagnostic tools, from imaging tests like x-rays to vital organ monitors like EKGs. X-rays are one of the most common diagnostic tools, mainly because they can safely look inside the body to determine a wide number of afflictions, like broken bones and hard growths. Electrocardiograms are another common diagnostic tool and are used to evaluate the health of the heart, in particular its rate and rhythm. These two tests can help doctors formulate more accurate diagnoses, providing them with invaluable data about their patients’ health.

What is EKG screening?

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a diagnostic test that can detect the electrical activity in the heart via sensors that are placed on the skin. It is a straightforward, pain-free test that can be done in a quick in-office doctor’s appointment. These tests can detect a variety of heart problems, including coronary heart disease, and can be done at rest or during exercise (such as walking on a treadmill). They are particularly effective at detecting coronary heart disease when the reading is performed during exercise. The major benefit of screening is to prevent cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in people who have no symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Most of this benefit occurs in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease, but also helps asymptomatic people detect early warning signs of heart problems.

When is an EKG recommended?

An EKG may be recommended in the following situations:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• An irregular heartbeat
• Heavy heartbeats
• Patients with a history of heart disease
• Patients with diabetes or other risks
• Risk factors for an enlarged heart, such as:
  High blood pressure
• Symptoms of heart disease (chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat or heavy heartbeats)
• Occupational requirements
• Patients who want to start exercising who have a personal or family history of heart disease, diabetes or other risks
  
  

What can an EKG detect?

An EKG can detect a variety of conditions:

• Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Coronary artery blockage
  
• Areas of damaged heart muscle (prior heart attack)
  
• Enlargement of the heart
  
• Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis)
  
• If the heart is getting enough oxygen
  
• Non-heart conditions (electrolyte imbalances and lung diseases)

How do x-rays work?

An x-ray examination helps diagnose conditions or injuries by creating images of the internal organs or bones. The x-ray machine emits a small amount of ionizing radiation which passes through the body and is captured on a special device to produce the image.

The dose of radiation used depends on the area of the body being examined, with smaller areas such as the hand receiving a lesser dose when compared to a larger area such as the back or spine. On average, the dose of radiation is roughly the same amount a person would receive in about one week from the general environment.

How do I know if I need an X-Ray?

You may need an x-ray if any of the following apply to your situation:

• Inability to walk four steps (twisted ankle)
• Joint immobility
• Pain directly around the bone area
• Swelling that does not reduce with treatment

When Should You Get An X-Ray?

A doctor may order an X-ray to:

• Examine a painful or uncomfortable area
• Monitor the progression of a diagnosed disease
• Check how well a prescribed treatment is working

To determine the health of your heart, come to Joshua Emergicare today. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in performing EKGs and can help you learn about the health of your heart and take the necessary steps to prevent disease. Call us today to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 2429 M Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Our medical center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and our urgent care is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM; we are closed Sundays.

We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Omaha NE, La Vista NE, Papillion NE, Boys Town NE, and Bellevue NE.