Helping Your Heart: 5 Signs You May Need an EKG Test

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When you look at the statistics for heart attacks, the numbers are scary. It seems that 1 in 3 deaths in the United States is due to cardiovascular disease. 

The irony is that cardiovascular disease can be detected early, and can be well managed with exercise, diet, and appropriate medication. Your heart will beat 40 million times per year. So it is definitely the hardest working muscle in your body.

How do you know when your heart is ‘overdoing it’? Do you know when you need to get it checked out? Here are 5 signs that you need an EKG test. 

1. Palpitations or Chest Pain

Palpitations are when your heart beats too fast, or when you experience a sort of fluttering feeling in your chest. This can be in response to stress or something you have had to eat or drink.

Palpitations can occur at any time. You could be sitting down or resting, and still experience palpitations. They are usually harmless, but they can be indicative of something more serious. 

Chest pain can be a sudden shooting pain or a twinge. You should get a medical opinion as soon as you can. Even if your physician does not recommend an EKG test, you can request one.

2. Irregular Heartbeat 

This should not be confused with a fast or slow heartbeat. An irregular heartbeat is a disruption to the steady pattern of beats that your heart normally produces. You can think of it like skipping a beat.

If this occurs, you need to get a medical opinion and an EKG test. This test will help chart the rhythm of your beats and identify any abnormalities in the electrical firing occurring within your heart.

3. Shortness of Breath

Everyone breathes more heavily when exercising or doing certain activities. In fact, you can even start to breathe more heavily when under stress. However, shortness of breath is when you are fighting to catch your breath.

Your chest may feel tight, and breathing is more of a struggle. Your heart plays a major part in making sure oxygenated blood is transported to your tissues. Shortness of breath can be indicative of serious heart disease. Get it checked out.

4. Swollen Legs

This may surprise you. Put simply, when your heart does not properly pump, the fluid in your blood vessels can leak into the surrounding tissues. This causes swelling in your legs.

Many things can cause swelling in the legs. So go to your doctor to get it checked out. You can request an EKG to measure your heart function.

5. Fatigue

This can be easily overlooked. Everyone gets tired at times. However, unexplained and extreme fatigue could be an indication of underlying heart disease that you did not know about.

Is It Time for an EKG Test?

Only you can answer that question, but at least you know some of the reasons why you should take the initiative, and not wait for something to happen.

Swollen legs and fatigue are surprising symptoms of underlying heart disease. If you want to get an EKG test, you can book online here with Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care – Thibodaux.