Electrocardiogram (EKG)

This test measures the electrical activity of the heart at rest.  A tracing is printed out on paper for Dr. Rivera to review.  It gives information about the heart rate and regularity, as well as the specific aspects of the heart beat itself.  This test in non-invasive and is not painful.  Ten electrode stickers are placed on the chest, arms and legs.  The wires are attached to tabs on the end of the stickers.  Once they are all attached, the EKG tracing only takes a few seconds.  The EKG is a very useful diagnostic tool and should only be read by a Pediatric Cardiologist as there are distinct differences from a tracing done on an adult.  Our technicians are trained and tested on proper lead placement to produce accurate tracings and reduce the chances of errors.

If you are interested in cardiac physiology and would like to learn more, click here and explore a great web site filled with tutorials and examples.