As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that an EKG (electrocardiogram) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing various heart conditions, including heart disease.

An EKG can detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), heart attacks (by identifying changes in the heart's electrical activity), and it can also provide information about the size and position of the different parts of the heart. However, it's important to note that an EKG on its own is not always sufficient to diagnose heart disease comprehensively.

For instance, an EKG might not detect coronary artery disease (CAD) if the arteries are only partially blocked or if the blockage doesn't cause any immediate changes in the heart's electrical activity. In such cases, other diagnostic tests like stress tests, echocardiograms, nuclear imaging, or coronary angiography may be necessary to get a complete picture of the heart's health.

In summary, while an EKG is a crucial diagnostic tool, it is one part of a broader diagnostic approach to detect and evaluate heart disease.

read more >>

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to assess the heart rate and rhythm. This test can often detect heart disease, heart attack, an enlarged heart, or abnormal heart rhythms that may cause heart failure. Chest X-ray to see if the heart is enlarged and if the lungs are congested with fluid.read more >>