How Accurate Are EKG Results?
EKG results are generally very accurate for detecting a wide range of heart conditions, particularly arrhythmias, ischemia, and previous heart attacks. However, the accuracy of an EKG depends on several factors, including the timing of the test and the nature of the heart problem. For example, intermittent arrhythmias may not be captured if they do not occur during the test, leading to a normal EKG reading even though the patient may have a heart issue. In such cases, doctors may recommend a Holter monitor, which records heart activity over 24 to 48 hours, to capture abnormal rhythms over a longer period.
For detecting ongoing heart attacks, EKGs are highly reliable when used alongside clinical evaluation and other diagnostic tests. However, EKGs may not always detect smaller heart issues or conditions that are not electrical in nature, such as structural problems or mild blockages in the coronary arteries. Therefore, while EKGs are a critical tool in cardiac diagnostics, they are often supplemented by other tests to provide a complete assessment of heart health.
