Electrocardiogram (also known as ECG or EKG) is a quick and non-invasive procedure that records the electrical impulse produced by every heartbeat to gain information about a patient's heart such as duration of heart contraction, the direction of the impulse, and the strenght of the contraction. This information is very helpful in determining the overall health of the patient's heart and can be used to identify problems in conduction, rate, or even early detection of a heart attack.
| Price Range | |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA EKG Cost Average | $600 - $1,550 |
| Phoenix, AZ EKG Cost Average | $575 - $1,500 |
| Houston, TX EKG Cost Average | $525 - $1,350 |
| Atlanta, GA EKG Cost Average | $450 - $1,150 |
| Dallas, TX EKG Cost Average | $490 - $1,250 |
| Miami, FL EKG Cost Average | $550 - $1,400 |
| Chicago, IL EKG Cost Average | $450 - $1,200 |
| New York, NY EKG Cost Average | $460 - $1,200 |
| Los Angeles, CA EKG Cost Average | $725 - $1,850 |
| Washington, DC EKG Cost Average | $440 - $1,150 |
| Price Range | |
|---|---|
| Electrocardiogram Cost Average | $450 - $1,150 |
| Name | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Medical Imaging at Lake Sumter Landing | The Villages , FL | $390 - $875 |
| Uch - Memorial Health System | Colorado Springs , CO | $460 - $1,000 |
| North Mississippi Medical Center | Tupelo , MS | $500 - $1,100 |
| Leconte Medical Center | Sevierville , TN | $460 - $1,000 |
| Peterson Regional Medical Center | Kerrville , TX | $260 - $575 |
| Eastern New Mexico Medical Center | Roswell , NM | $925 - $2,025 |
| Doctors Hospital of Nelsonville | Nelsonville , OH | $800 - $1,700 |
| Memorial Hospital at Gulfport | Gulfport , MS | $925 - $2,025 |
| Carteret General Hospital | Morehead City , NC | $650 - $1,400 |
| Rutherford Regional Medical Center | Rutherfordton , NC | $650 - $1,400 |
| Harrison Medical Center | Bremerton , WA | $725 - $1,600 |
| Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center | Baton Rouge , LA | $625 - $1,400 |
| Evangelical Community Hospital | Lewisburg , PA | $650 - $1,400 |
| Baptist Health Paducah | Paducah , KY | $260 - $575 |
| Sanford Vermillion Hospital | Vermillion , SD | $700 - $1,550 |
| Augusta Health | Fishersville , VA | $675 - $1,500 |
| Advanced Radiology of Millville | Millville , NJ | $440 - $975 |
| Beauregard Memorial Hospital | Deridder , LA | $370 - $800 |
| Asante Three Rivers Medical Center | Grants Pass , OR | $310 - $675 |
| Christus St Frances Cabrini Hospital | Alexandria , LA | $575 - $1,250 |
| Wilkes - Barre General Hospital | Wilkes-barre , PA | $250 - $550 |
| Ray Scan | Butte , MT | $350 - $775 |
| Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenvill | Stephenville , TX | $550 - $1,150 |
| Mercy Medical Center | Oshkosh , WI | $300 - $650 |
| Kootenai Health | Coeur D'alene , ID | $320 - $700 |
| Medstar Union Memorial Hospital | Baltimore , MD | $625 - $1,350 |
| Beebe Medical Center | Lewes , DE | $240 - $525 |
| Anmed Health | Anderson , SC | $470 - $1,050 |
| Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center | Cambridge , OH | $210 - $450 |
| Providence Alaska Medical Center | Anchorage , AK | $460 - $1,050 |
Electrocardiogram (EKG) Introduction
The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a noninvasive test that is used to detect underlying heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. An EKG is used to determine if there is damage to the heart, if the heart is beating normally, how fast it is beating, the effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemaker), along with determining the size and position of the heart chambers. The physician may order this test if the patient experiences chest pain, other symptoms or as part of a routine exam in patients over the age of 40. The EKG is a static picture and may not reflect severe underlying heart problems at a time when the patient is not having any symptoms. Other tests that may be alternatives to an EKG or may be used in conjunction with an EKG include an echocardiogram (a sonogram of the heart's pumping action) and a stress test—an EKG that is done in conjunction with treadmill or other supervised exercise to observe the heart's function under stress—may also be performed.
EKG Procedure Patient Preparation
Be sure to inform the physician of all medications being taken, as some can interfere with the test results. Exercising or drinking cold water immediately before an EKG may effect the test results. Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual. If a stress test is to be performed, patients are asked not to eat for several hours before the test.
What to expect during and after an EKG
You will be asked to lie down on a table. The healthcare provider will clean several areas on your arms, legs and chest and then attach small patches called electrodes to the areas. It may be necessary to shave or clip some hair so the electrodes have good contact with the skin. The number of electrodes may vary. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin, which allows the electrical impulses of the heart to be more easily transmitted to the EKG leads. An EKG takes about five minutes and is painless. No electricity passes through the body. The electrodes may feel cold when first applied. You need to remain still and you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods during the test. It is important to be relaxed and relatively warm during the procedure, since any movements including shivering can alter the test results. If the EKG is a stress test, you will be exercising or under minimal physical stress to allow monitoring of changes in the heart. In some cases, the areas where the electrodes were applied may become irritated afterward. To avoid skin irritation, thoroughly clean the gel from the electrode sites after removal of the electrodes.
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