Electrocardiogram technicians assist doctors in diagnosing heart and vascular issues in patients. The technician performs EKG tests, stress tests, and heart monitoring procedures, which generate reports that assist heart doctors in determining whether the patient has any heart or vascular problems.
The electrode patches are applied to the patient’s chest, arms, and legs the technician. The response of the patient’s heart to various activities is measured using these electrodes. Some electrocardiogram tests are done routinely before a patient undergoes surgery, while others are done to look for specific problems the patient may be experiencing.
An EKG (electrocardiogram) monitor is also attached to the patient’s belt the technician. This could, for example, be attached to the patient’s belt while they are walking on a treadmill. As the technician increases and decreases the speed of the treadmill, the electrocardiogram technician monitors the change in the patient’s heart rate and output, which, of course, changes the patient’s heart rate and output.
The electrocardiogram technician may attach the EKG to the patient to wear outside of the hospital or doctor’s office in some cases. The patient can wear the monitor for up to 24 hours and still go about their daily routine. The monitor records the patient’s heart rate and other vital signs as they go about their daily activities. The monitor sends information to the electrocardiogram technician electronically, or the technician downloads the information into a report when the patient returns the monitor.
The doctor receives the reports and information from the electrocardiogram technician. The technician usually discusses this information with the doctor so that the doctor can make a diagnosis or order additional tests from the electrocardiogram technician.
Some electrocardiogram technicians are also more involved in the administrative side of their jobs. This may entail scheduling and confirming appointments with patients on an administrative level. Typically, the technician reviews patient files before and after the doctor reviews and interprets the patient files so that the technician is aware of the doctor’s expectations for the next steps with the patient.
These technicians are also in charge of operating, maintaining, and testing the machinery and equipment that they use to perform the tests on the patients. Meeting with representatives selling new technology or working with repair companies to maintain existing equipment are examples of this.