ECG & Spirometry
ECG records the electrical activity of the heart at rest. It provides information about your heart rate and rhythm, and shows if there is enlargement of the heart due to high blood pressure or evidence of a previous heart attack. It provides information about the size and position of the heart chambers, heart damage, and the effect of a pacemaker or heart regulating medication. It is useful for identifying if the heart is beating normally. You may need an ECG test if you have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, or symptoms such as palpitations or chest pain.
Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs, as well as how easily and fast you can the blow the air out of your lungs. Your doctor may order spirometry if you have wheezing, shortness of breath, or a cough. This can help diagnose problems like asthma and COPD, or can be done to check lung function before a surgery. You may also have spirometry done if you are being treated for a chronic lung disease, such as COPD or asthma, to determine if your disease is improving or worsening and whether your medications or inhalers are working properly.