Experts Urge Early EKG for Heart Attacks

Pre-hospital electrocardiograms (EKG) could mean quicker life-saving treatment for heart attack patients. Yet fewer than 10% of people with a common and dangerous type of heart attack get an EKG before reaching the hospital. The American Heart Association wants to change this. In a new statement, they say all emergency medical teams should do EKGs on patients when they suspect a heart attack. They should send it ahead to the hospital to save time. The statement was published in the journal Circulation.