A electrocardiogram -also called ECG o EKG- records the heart's electrical activity within minutes. By accurately displaying the rate and rhythm, it helps detect arrhythmias, early signs of heart attack and many other disturbances that often go unnoticed. With an ECG you get a first snapshot of how your heart beats without pain or exposure to radiation.
What is an electrocardiogram and what is it for?
The ECG uses 12 leads (a set of adhesive electrodes on the chest, arms and legs) to capture each electrical impulse that travels through your heart muscle. That information is presented as P, QRS and T waves on a monitor or printout:
- Frequencynumber of beats per minute.
- Rhythmregularity and synchrony of contractions.
- Drivingtime it takes for the impulse to pass through the chambers.
Thus, the study allows -without pain and at rest- to identify:
- Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardias.
- Evidence of ischemia or recent infarction (ST segment alterations).
- Cavity thickening (hypertrophy) and conduction block.
Consult the guides of the American Heart Association on the <a href="/en/”https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosis-of-heart-attack/ekg-electrocardiogram”/" rel="”noopener”" target="”_blank”">clinical use of the electrocardiogram</a> for more technical details.
Indications: When do you need an ECG?
- Chest pain or pressure of unclear cause.
- Palpitations, dizziness or fainting spells sudden.
- Preventive check-up in patients over 40 years of age or with risk factors.
- Pre-surgical evaluation before major surgery (link: /pre-surgical-assessment/).
- Follow-up of pacemakers or antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Annual control in hypertension o diabetes still without symptoms.
Experts recommend a 12-lead electrocardiogram baseline and repeat it if new symptoms arise or your treatment changes.
Procedure: step by step
- Preparation
- Fasting is not required; maintain usual medication.
- Wear a blouse or shirt that is easy to open. The skin will be cleaned and, if there is abundant hair, a small patch is shaved for better contact.
- Placement of electrodes
- Ten adhesive sensors are connected to one cable of the equipment.
- The technician will instruct you to remain calm and breathe normally.
- 10-15 second record
- The device picks up the electrical signal at rest; you will not feel current.
- Immediate review
- Dr. Castolo verifies the quality of the strip and prints the tracing for your file.
Total time: 10 minutes. Only possible discomfort: cool sensation of the conductive gel or slight itching when removing the patches.
Interpretation of results: normal and abnormal values
| Parameter | Expected range in adults | What it means if it is out of range |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 60-100 bpm | 100 = tachycardia |
| Interval PR | 0.12-0.20 s | > 0.20 s suggests AV block |
| QRS | ≤ 0.10 s | > 0.12 s indicates bundle branch block. |
| ST segment | Isoelectric | Elevated or descended = possible ischemia |
A Normal ECG It rules out many emergencies, but does not eliminate the need for advanced studies if symptoms persist. When abnormalities arise, the doctor may order a Doppler echocardiogram (/ecocardiogram-doppler/) or a stress test to go deeper.
Benefits, advantages and risks of ECG
Key benefits
- Fast and economicalFirst line in the event of any cardiac symptom.
- Preventiondetects asymptomatic arrhythmias that increase the risk of embolism.
- Securityradiation-free, suitable for pregnant women and children.
Advantages over other studies
| Feature | ECG | Echocardiogram | 24 h Holter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10 min | 20 min | 24 h |
| Real-time rhythm monitoring | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Detects cardiac structure | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Estimated cost PV | $350 MXN | $2 500 MXN | $2 100 MXN |
Risks practically nil; slight adhesive marks may appear which disappear within hours.
Price and coverage in Puerto Vallarta
The price of electrocardiogram at Dr. Castolo's practice is $300 - $450 MXNdepending on whether it is part of a control or pre-surgical package. We bill for reimbursement with most insurance companies.
Where to do an electrocardiogram in Puerto Vallarta?
We perform ECG walk-in Monday to Friday. Central location, parking and adapted access. Calibrated equipment and certified personnel guarantee reliable measurements. We deliver printed results and PDF in less than 15 min.
Next step for your electrocardiogram
If you feel palpitations or want a preventive checkup, a Resting ECG is the first step in taking care of your heart.
Schedule your electrocardiogram or submit your questionWe will respond by WhatsApp in less than 2 hours and you will have your result the same day.