Tests in our office · Near Union Square
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
An ECG is a short, painless test. Small sensors on your skin record your heart’s electrical activity. It is done at your visit.
Same-day appointments available
Medically reviewed by Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC · Review date: Pending review
The short answer
Electrocardiogram (ECG), in brief.
- What it is
- An ECG (also called an EKG) records the electrical activity of your heart. Small sensors called electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and legs, and the results are printed out.
- Why you might need it
- It checks the rhythm of your heart and looks for signs of heart disease, such as poor blood flow to the heart or a heart attack. It can also show a thickened heart muscle or problems with the salts in your blood (electrolytes).
- How long it takes
- It is a short test, done at your visit.
- How to prepare
- Our team will tell you if there is anything you need to do before your test.
- Do I need a referral?
- No. You don't need a referral to see Dr. Ghalchi. At your visit, he decides with you which tests make sense.
- Insurance
- Covered by most plans when medically necessary. We check your benefits before your test.
- Results
- Dr. Ghalchi reads every study himself and goes over the results with you.
Right here in our office
Tested here, read by Dr. Ghalchi.
The tests you may need are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day. Dr. Ghalchi reads your studies and goes over the results with you, and every report is in your patient portal.
MCVA does not do coronary calcium scans, coronary CT angiography or cardiac MRI in our office. If you need one, we arrange it for you.
What it can show
An ECG helps us look at your heart rhythm, check for ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart), and find signs of a heart attack. It can also show a thickened heart muscle or electrolyte problems.
Over time, we can compare your ECGs and see if anything has changed.
If more testing is needed
Depending on your ECG, Dr. Ghalchi may suggest a monitor to wear at home, such as a Holter or patch monitor, to learn more about your symptoms.
Questions
Common questions.
Does an ECG hurt?
No. It is a short, painless test.
Is it the same as an EKG?
Yes. ECG and EKG are two names for the same test.
Do I need a referral?
No. You don't need a referral to see Dr. Ghalchi. At your visit, he decides with you which tests make sense.
When do I get my results?
Dr. Ghalchi reads every study himself and goes over the results with you. You can also find your reports in your patient portal.
Is it covered by insurance?
Covered by most plans when medically necessary. We check your benefits before your test. Questions? Call us at 212-686-0066.
Book
Book a visit with Dr. Ghalchi.
Choose an open time online, or call and we’ll find one with you. Same-day appointments available, in-network with most major plans, no referral needed.
873 Broadway, Street Level, near Union Square · Get directions