What all does an EKG prove.

[gshanereid]

Hey guys, I am quite concerned about my heart beat lately. All my doctors say it is simply extreme anxiety with panic attacks. I had an EKG and it came out normal. But I am still concerned. What all does an EKG rule out for heart problems?

[Jerry_NJ]

An EKG, like a blood pressure test are a snap shot in time.  Still, if they are normal it is a good sign, but I think not a "clean bill of health".

If you think your heart beat is unusual, try to describe it:  missed beats, fast, slow, irregular, some combination.   Any other "new" symptoms: pain, or pressure in chest, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating... other?  If you find none of the above then I'd guess the "picture" you got from the EKG is the general condition, not snap shot, of your heart.

To your specific question I believe a normal EKG indicates a good electrical system and valve operation.  There must be other and I believe it is best at detecting rhythm problems, which you suspected you have.  Seem not, at least not when the EKG was taken.