ECG/EKG (Electrocardiogram)

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It's one of the most common and useful tests for evaluating heart function.

The test shows how fast your heart is beating, whether the rhythm is steady or irregular, and the strength and timing of electrical signals as they pass through each part of your heart.

ECGs are used to detect and monitor many heart conditions. They're quick, non-invasive, and provide valuable information about your heart's electrical system. The test takes only a few minutes and requires no special preparation.

ECGs are used to:

Diagnose Heart Problems:

• Heart attack (current or past)
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Heart enlargement
• Heart muscle problems
• Pericarditis (inflammation around heart)

Monitor Heart Health:

• Check heart rate and rhythm
• Monitor effects of medications
• Evaluate pacemaker function
• Assess heart function before surgery

Screen for Heart Disease:

• Routine check-ups
• Before starting exercise program
• As part of health screening

Usually no special preparation needed:

• You can eat and drink normally
• Take medications as usual (unless told otherwise)
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Avoid applying lotions or oils to chest area
• Inform staff of any medications you're taking

Before the Test:

• You may be asked to remove jewelry
• Men may need to shave chest hair (if excessive)
• You'll be asked to remove clothing from waist up
• You may be given a gown to wear

During the ECG:

1. Positioning: You'll lie flat on a table or bed
2. Electrode Placement: Small, sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on your chest, arms, and legs
3. Wires: Wires connect electrodes to the ECG machine
4. Recording: Machine records your heart's electrical activity
5. Duration: Usually takes 5-10 minutes
6. Removal: Electrodes are removed (may feel slight stickiness)

The Process:

• You'll need to lie still and breathe normally
• You may be asked to hold your breath briefly
• The test is completely painless
• No electricity passes through your body
• You can resume normal activities immediately after

Types of ECGs:

• Resting ECG: Done while lying still (most common)
• Stress ECG: Done during exercise (treadmill or bike)
• Holter Monitor: Continuous recording for 24-48 hours
• Event Monitor: Records when you activate it

Normal ECG:

• Regular heart rhythm
• Normal heart rate (60-100 beats per minute at rest)
• Normal electrical patterns
• No signs of damage or abnormalities

Abnormal Findings May Include:

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms
• Heart Attack: Signs of current or past heart attack
• Heart Enlargement: Chambers larger than normal
• Conduction Problems: Electrical signals not traveling properly
• Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to heart muscle
• Medication Effects: Changes from certain medications

What the Waves Mean:

• P Wave: Atrial contraction
• QRS Complex: Ventricular contraction
• T Wave: Ventricular recovery
• Intervals: Time between waves (indicates conduction speed)

Your doctor will explain what your specific results mean for your health.

ECGs are very safe:

• No risks or side effects
• No radiation exposure
• Non-invasive (nothing enters your body)
• Can be repeated as needed
• Safe for everyone, including pregnant women and children

The electrodes:

• May cause slight skin irritation (rare)
• Removal may feel slightly sticky
• No electrical current passes through you

• If you have questions about your ECG results
• If you experience symptoms after the test
• If you need clarification about findings
• If you have concerns about your heart health

• Review results with your doctor
• Follow recommended treatment plan
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Continue monitoring as recommended

ECGs have some limitations:

• May not detect all heart problems
• Normal ECG doesn't guarantee healthy heart
• Some conditions require additional tests
• May miss intermittent problems (need Holter monitor)
• Results need interpretation by trained professional

Additional tests may be needed:

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of heart)
• Stress test
• Cardiac catheterization
• Blood tests

No. An ECG is completely painless. You may feel slight stickiness when electrodes are removed, but that's all.

Usually 5-10 minutes. The actual recording takes just a few seconds, but setup and removal take additional time.

Yes. There are no dietary restrictions. You can eat and drink normally before the test.

An abnormal ECG doesn't always mean a serious problem. Your doctor will interpret the results in context of your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.

It depends on your health and risk factors. Your doctor will recommend based on your individual situation. Some people need regular ECGs, while others may only need one if symptoms develop.