Signs That You May Need an Electrocardiogram (EKG)
At Niagara Falls Urgent Care, Dr. Santanu Som, MD, DO, can evaluate symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat that may indicate the need for an electrocardiogram (EKG). This quick, non-invasive test records the heart’s electrical activity and helps detect conditions like arrhythmias or heart attacks. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3117 Military Road, Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.


Table of Contents:
What are the common symptoms that suggest you may need an EKG?
How can chest pain or discomfort indicate the need for an EKG?
Can irregular heartbeats be a sign that you need an EKG?
When should shortness of breath prompt an EKG test?
At Niagara Falls Urgent Care, we understand how concerning symptoms related to heart health can be. If you’re experiencing any of these potential indicators of heart-related issues, our team is here to provide prompt and thorough care, including electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) testing when necessary.
Chest Pain or Discomfort: If you feel a heaviness or pressure in your chest, possibly radiating to your arms, neck, jaw, or back, it could be a sign of angina or another heart condition. Our urgent care facility can quickly assess your symptoms and perform an EKG to help determine the cause.
Unexplained Shortness of Breath: Sudden or activity-related shortness of breath may suggest your heart isn’t pumping effectively. We offer immediate evaluation and EKG testing to address these concerns and provide peace of mind.
Palpitations: Rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeats can be unsettling and may indicate an arrhythmia. Our medical team is equipped to perform an EKG to diagnose and manage these symptoms, ensuring you receive the care you need.
Episodes of Fainting or Near-Fainting: Known as syncope or presyncope, these episodes can be linked to heart rhythm problems. We prioritize your safety and can perform an EKG to evaluate these serious symptoms promptly.
At Niagara Falls Urgent Care, your health and well-being are our top priorities. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit us for expert medical advice and care. Our team is dedicated to offering the immediate attention and diagnostic services you need for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Our team is ready to provide swift evaluation and care for individuals presenting with sharp, squeezing chest pain or discomfort that radiates to areas such as the arm, neck, back, or jaw. These symptoms may suggest a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to blocked arteries, which can lead to a heart attack if not addressed promptly.
In addition, if your chest pain is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or nausea, an EKG can be a vital tool in assessing potential cardiac causes. The EKG is a non-invasive test that measures the heart’s electrical activity, helping to identify abnormalities in heart rhythm, structure, and function.
Our urgent care facility can detect arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that might cause chest pain or discomfort. These arrhythmias can range from benign to serious conditions requiring medical intervention. An EKG can also reveal signs of a previous heart attack or ongoing heart damage, providing us with critical information to guide your diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as palpitations, a racing heart, or a fluttering sensation in your chest, it’s important to seek medical attention. These symptoms, while sometimes benign, could indicate underlying conditions that require evaluation. Arrhythmias can stem from various causes, including electrolyte imbalances, stress, or heart disease, and can sometimes lead to more serious health issues if left unchecked.
Our healthcare providers recommend an EKG if you report symptoms of irregular heartbeats, especially if accompanied by dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain. This test can help detect conditions like atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or premature ventricular contractions and provide insights into the size and position of the heart chambers, any potential heart damage, and the effects of medications or pacemakers.
While not all irregular heartbeats are cause for concern, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored. Our team is here to help determine if an EKG is necessary and guide you through the appropriate treatment options to ensure your heart health and overall well-being. Visit us for a comprehensive evaluation and peace of mind regarding your heart health.
If you visit us with shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain, it’s crucial to determine whether a cardiac condition such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or angina could be the cause. In these situations, an EKG is vital for assessing any changes in the heart’s electrical activity that might indicate ischemia or infarction. Additionally, if your shortness of breath is sudden, severe, or comes with symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, an EKG can help us evaluate for arrhythmias or other acute cardiac conditions.
While shortness of breath can sometimes be attributed to non-cardiac issues like anxiety, pulmonary conditions, or anemia, our team is committed to ensuring that cardiac involvement is thoroughly evaluated. If initial evaluations do not reveal a clear cause, or if there’s a suspicion of heart failure, an EKG can be an integral component of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
Our experienced healthcare providers are here to make informed decisions about your care. When your symptoms suggest a potential cardiac cause, an EKG is a non-invasive and accessible test that can provide critical insights into your heart’s function, allowing us to direct appropriate treatment and ensure your peace of mind. Visit Niagara Falls Urgent Care for prompt, professional evaluation and care when shortness of breath concerns you. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3117 Military Road Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. We serve patients from Niagara Falls NY, Lewiston NY, Sanborn NY, Walmore NY, Tonawanda NY, Sanborn NY, Model City NY, Youngstown NY, Ransomville NY, Grand Island NY and surrounding areas.