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Electrocardiography
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a testing procedure that looks at the electrical impulses created by the activity of the heart. Changes in electrical impulses occur when the heart lacks oxygen or is damaged by a heart attack or some other type of heart disease. At MeritCare, we perform 2,000 EKGs each month and interpret 1,200 EKGs from people in our region.
Closely related to the EKG is a stress test, which monitors the electrical activity of the heart during a monitored exercise activity. We perform 250 stress tests each month. Holter monitors also record the electrical activity of the heart on a 24-hour basis when connected to a patient undergoing his or her daily activities.