Jill
EKG
An electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG, is a non-invasive and very simple test used to measure the heart’s electrical activity. An EKG allows your Internist to determine if your heart is beating at a normal or slow, fast or irregular pace. The test also allows us to recognize any part of the heart that may be overworked or too large.
An EKG is a quick and simple procedure. First, we will apply small, sticky electrodes to your chest, arms and legs. Small wires are then used to connect the electrodes to the EKG machine, which will record your heart’s electrical activity. Other than possible mild irritation from removing the electrodes, there is no pain associated with this test.
Spirometry
A spirometry is a common in-office test performed to diagnose conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
The test is simple and only takes five to 10 minutes for a single set of measurements. Using a special tube that is attached to the spirometer, you will take a deep breath in and breathe out as hard as you can. You will repeat this step three times to ensure accuracy.
Results are measured in two ways: by Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV-1). FVC is the highest amount of air you can exhale forcefully after breathing in as deep as you are can. FEV-1 indicates how much air can be forcefully exhaled in one second.
Your Internist will take your FEV-1 measurement and divide it by your FVC number to determine a percentage. It will then be compared to the average results of people in the same height, sex and age category to determine how well your lungs are functioning.
In some instances when the spirometry results are normal, further tests may be needed to confirm whether or not you do have a breathing condition like asthma.
Exercise Stress Test
Please open the attached file to learn about the Exercise Stress Test. In this document, you will learn what it is, why it is performed and how you prepare for the test.