Screening EKG’s Might Do More Harm than Good

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that baseline and screening EKG’s cause harm by leading to risky, expensive further tests that usually lead to nowhere. At the top of the risk list are high-dose radiation that can lead to cancer and kidney damage, especially in patients that do not have multiple risk factors for heart disease. They recommend a good history and physical as the best, safest, and cost-effective screening tool. See the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 2012. www.healthcelebration.com