what is ecg done for - #13376
I am really worried about my dad. He’s been feeling kinda weird lately – like shortness of breath and some chest pain, which he says is probably "nothing." But he's also been super tired. Last week, we went to a clinic and the doctor suggested doing an ECG. At first, I had no clue what is ECG done for, but the doc mentioned it tests the heart's rhythm and electrical activity or something. The results came back normal, but we still have no answers. I can’t help but wonder, what is ECG done for really? Like, if it came back normal, should we be looking into other tests? Is it worth getting a second opinion if my dad's still feeling bad? I just wanna make sure we aren't missing something. Friends keep telling me that just an ECG might not be enough, but then what else could be the issue? I mean, how reliable is an ECG in catching serious problems? Sorry for rambling, but what is ECG done for if it doesn’t rule out everything? Should we push for more testing or just follow up with his current doc? It's so frustrating not knowing.
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Doctors’ responses
An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is indeed quite valuable for checking the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. It’s mainly used to diagnose various heart problems including arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), blockages or reduced blood flow (as with certain kinds of heart attacks), and other electrical system issues within the heart. However, while an ECG is a useful tool, its limitations mean it doesn’t capture everything. For instance, some heart conditions, like those caused by coronary artery blockages, might not show up on a resting ECG unless there’s an active issue at the moment the ECG is done. If your dad still experiences symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, it would be reasonable to pursue additional testing. Options include a stress test, which evaluates how the heart performs under physical stress, or imaging tests like an echocardiogram or a coronary CT angiography that provide a more detailed look at the heart’s structure and function. Sometimes, even if an initial ECG appears normal, further testing can uncover underlying problems. Given these ongoing symptoms, getting a second opinion could help. Persistent or worsening symptoms particularly with the heart, should always be investigated further. So, you might consider discussing these ongoing concerns with his doctor or a cardiologist, who might suggest more comprehensive cardiac evaluations to ensure no critical issues are being overlooked.
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