An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that shows the electrical activity of the heart.
Each heartbeat is started by an electrical signal from special cells in the right upper chamber of the heart. The signal moves to other parts of the heart and causes the heart to squeeze and pump blood. These electrical signals can be detected on the skin. The EKG uses sticky electrodes on your skin to record these electrical signals.
Many different diseases and conditions affect the pattern of electrical signals in the heart. Your healthcare provider can diagnose heart problems by looking at the pattern. An EKG can show:
No preparation is necessary unless your healthcare provider gives you special instructions.
A resting EKG is a painless test that takes less than 5 minutes. It can be done in your healthcare provider's office, clinic, or hospital. Small sticky patches or suction cups are put on your chest, wrists, and ankles. These electrode patches are connected to a machine that records electrical impulses of the heart from these patches. The recording is printed on paper for your healthcare provider to review. The EKG gives your provider 12 views of your heart's electrical activity.
A lightweight portable machine called a Holter monitor may be used to record the electrical activity of your heart while you go about your usual activities. It shows how your heart works throughout the day. Your provider may use it to record your heart’s activity over 1 to 2 days.
The EKG is a simple and painless test that gives a lot of information about how your heart is working. It can speed up the diagnosis of a heart attack so treatment can be started quickly. It can help your provider know if you may need medicines or devices like a pacemaker to help control your heart rhythm.
Your skin might be irritated by the adhesive on the electrode patches. Skin irritation will quickly go away after the patches are removed.
