Cardiac Testing
At Campbellford Memorial Hospital, Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) and Holter Monitoring services are available to both in-patients and out-patients, with testing arranged through a referring physician. These diagnostic tools provide valuable insights into heart rhythm, electrical conduction, and overall cardiac function.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An EKG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a short period of time. The results are displayed as a graph, allowing clinicians to identify irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), electrolyte imbalances, and conduction abnormalities.
It is also used as a screening tool for ischemic heart disease during a cardiac stress test and can assist in detecting certain non-cardiac conditions such as pulmonary embolism or hypothermia.
Holter Monitoring
A Holter monitor, or ambulatory electrocardiography device, is a small portable unit that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity for 24 hours or longer. This extended monitoring helps detect intermittent or infrequent arrhythmias that may not appear during a standard EKG.
Electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest and connected to the device, which is typically worn on a belt or shoulder strap. The monitor records every heartbeat throughout the testing period, while patients are asked to keep a brief diary noting their daily activities, symptoms, and the times they occur.
Once monitoring is complete, the data is uploaded into a specialized computer system for analysis. The system automatically compiles heart rate summaries—including average, minimum, and maximum rates—and flags any irregular patterns for review by a technician or physician. Combining this data with the patient’s diary helps clinicians correlate symptoms with heart rhythm changes, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
