Where to Get an EKG in Woodside, NY: What the Test Can Tell You

An electrocardiogram, usually called an EKG or ECG, is one of the most common heart tests. It is quick, painless and often one of the first steps when a clinician wants to look at your heart's rhythm and electrical activity.

If you live or work in Woodside and are wondering where to get an EKG, this guide explains what the test shows, when it is ordered and how to confirm availability. For comparing tests, see our guide to EKG, X-ray or ultrasound: which test do you actually need?.

An EKG records the electrical signals that make your heart beat. Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and legs, and a machine traces the signals as a wave pattern. The recording usually takes only a few minutes. You lie still, and there is no pain or electrical shock.

• Your heart rate and whether the rhythm is regular
• Irregular rhythms such as atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
• Signs that part of the heart has not been getting enough blood flow, or of a heart attack that happened in the past
• Delays or blocks in the heart's electrical pathways
• Possible strain or enlargement of the heart muscle
• Effects of some medicines or electrolyte problems on the heart's rhythm

An EKG is a snapshot of a few minutes. A normal EKG does not rule out heart disease, especially if symptoms come and go. Your clinician may recommend other tests, such as an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram), a stress test, a wearable rhythm monitor or blood tests, depending on your situation. Likewise, an unusual-looking EKG does not always mean serious disease. It is interpreted alongside your symptoms and history.

• Chest pain, pressure or discomfort that is not an emergency
• Palpitations, a racing or skipping heartbeat
• Shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting
• Before surgery or starting certain medicines
• High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or a strong family history of heart disease
• Follow-up for a known heart condition

Do not wait for an appointment if you have chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, trouble breathing, cold sweats, fainting or sudden weakness. Call 911. Review the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke symptoms so you can act fast.

KEL Healthcare lists EKG services under its diagnostic testing offerings when appropriate. The Woodside clinic is at 6315 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on weekends. KEL notes that not every diagnostic service is performed at every location, so call (718) 874-3173 to confirm whether an EKG is available at Woodside and whether you need an appointment. See the Woodside location page for details. An EKG is usually ordered by a clinician after an evaluation, so a primary care visit is often the first step; see primary care in Queens.

1. Wear a loose top that is easy to remove or open.
2. Skip body lotions or oils on your chest, which can make the electrodes stick poorly.
3. Bring a list of your medicines and any previous EKG results.
4. Tell the technician about your symptoms and any implanted device, such as a pacemaker.
5. Lie still and breathe normally during the recording.
6. Ask when and how you will receive your results and who will explain them.

Your clinician reviews the tracing and explains what it means for you, and may order more tests or refer you to a cardiologist if needed. For ongoing heart-related conditions, see chronic disease management, and for prevention, see MyHealthfinder's guidance on heart health. Our guide to normal blood pressure readings can also help you track an important risk factor.

An EKG is a simple, quick way to learn more about your heart's rhythm and electrical activity. It is one useful piece of information, not the whole picture.

To ask about an EKG in Woodside, call (718) 874-3173 or schedule an appointment. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.