What is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity
of the heart. Each heartbeat is caused by an electrical impulse that causes
the heart to squeeze. The ECG records the electrical pattern of the
heartbeat. Many different diseases, conditions, and/or medications may
affect the ECG pattern. Your doctor can make a diagnosis by interpreting
those patterns.
What is an ECG used for?
The ECG is used to record heart rhythms. It can diagnose abnormal
heartbeats and rhythms. It can show also thickening of the heart muscle
due to high blood pressure or other diseases. It is particularly helpful
for diagnosing an acute heart attack and shows the effects of old heart
attacks as well. It can show whether a part of the heart is not getting
enough blood and hint at chemical imbalances in the body.
How is an ECG done?
An ECG can be done in a clinic, doctor's office, or hospital. It is a
painless procedure that takes less than 5 minutes. Small, sticky electrode
patches are placed on your chest, wrists, and ankles. A special machine
that records the electrical activity of your heart is connected to the
patches by multiple wires. A recording is made and printed on paper for
your doctor to interpret.
What are the benefits of an ECG?
The ECG is a simple, inexpensive, easily performed test that gives a lot
of information to your doctor about how well your heart is working. It
can speed up the diagnosis of a heart attack so treatment can be started
quickly. In critical care units, the ECG is recorded continuously and
displayed on a monitor so that the medical team can quickly spot any change
in your heart function.
Are there any risks to an ECG?
Some people's skin reacts to the electrode patches, but any skin
irritation quickly disappears when the patches are removed.
