Electrocardiography
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gunnison Valley Health is committed to decreasing heart disease and related
deaths in the Gunnison Valley community. Electrocardiography is just one
of our services used to accomplish this by identifying and treating heart
disease early.
What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram is also known as an EKG or ECG. This noninvasive test
measures the electrical function of the heart by recording its electrical
signals. An EKG produces a snapshot of what the heart is doing at the
time of the test and can help to determine many things which include the
following:
- Irregular heartbeat rhythm
- Previous heart attack
- Electrical block in heart
- Heart enlargement
Who can benefit from an EKG?
An EKG requires a referral or doctor’s order. This usually comes
from a primary care physician (PCP) but can also be from a cardiologist.
Common reasons for a doctor to order an EKG include the following:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty exercising
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Heart palpitation
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
EKG vs other tests
Two other heart tests are oftentimes confused with an EKG:
echocardiogram and
stress echocardiogram. These tests, in addition to the EKG, are offered here at Gunnison Valley
Health and require a doctor’s order. They are noninvasive, yet they
each have a unique purpose.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that produces moving images
and takes many measurements of the heart, providing a more detailed exam
than an EKG. A stress test, or stress echocardiogram, is even more in-depth.
This test has a treadmill component to raise the heart rate and is used
compare the heart at rest vs the heart under stress. To learn about all
of our cardiopulmonary services,
click here.
How to schedule an EKG with our team
Once you have received your doctor’s order, ensure your physician
sends the order to Gunnison Valley Health's Cardiopulmonary department.
With the doctor’s order, an EKG is a walk-in procedure. However,
you can still set up an appointment with your doctor’s order by
calling the Cardiopulmonary team at
970-641-7295.
Our team
Our Cardiopulmonary team at Gunnison Valley Health is dedicated to providing
the best care for your heart and providing comprehensive services right
here in the Valley.
Stetson Lusk BS, RCS, RVS Cardiovascular Sonographer
Stetson is in charge of the Cardiovascular Ultrasound Diagnostic testing
for Gunnison Valley Health. This testing includes: Echocardiograms, Stress
Echocardiograms, Exercise Stress Test, Carotid Duplex, Abdominal Aorta,
Renal Artery Duplex, Ankle Brachial Index, Upper/Lower Arterials, Upper/Lower
Venous Deep Vein Thrombosis, Holter Monitors, Cardiac Event Monitors,
and EKGs. All of these tests are performed in Emergency, Inpatient, and
Outpatient settings. Stetson also enjoys helping out with our patients
in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab.
After completing a Bachelor of Science program from the University of North
Georgia, Stetson went on to complete a certificate program at Northeast
Georgia Medical Center where he received his clinical training as well
as attended classes for ultrasound. Upon completion, Stetson then went
on to be registered through Cardiovascular Credentialing International
as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer and a Registered Vascular Specialist.
Stetson was born in Georgia and lived there most of his life, but brought
his family to Gunnison in April of 2018. When not at work, he enjoys the
many different outdoor activities that Gunnison has to offer. He also
really likes to eat buffalo wings as often as possible.