ECG
- An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a quick test to check the heartbeat. It records the electrical signals in the heart. Test results can help diagnose heart attacks and irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias.
- ECG machines can be found in medical offices, hospitals, operating rooms and ambulances. Some personal devices, such as smartwatches, can do simple ECGs. Ask your healthcare professional if this is an option for you.
- During an ECG, a trained specialist called a cardiac physiologist will attach small sticky patches called electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected to a machine that records the electrical activity of your heart and displays it as a trace on paper or a screen. An ECG
Why it's done ?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is done to check the heartbeat. It shows how fast or how slow the heart is beating. ECG test results can help your care team diagnose.
If you have a family history of heart disease, you may need an electrocardiogram to screen for heart disease, even if you don’t have symptoms. The American Heart Association says ECG screening may be considered for those at low risk of heart disease in general, even if there are no symptoms. Most heart doctors consider an ECG as a basic tool to screen for heart disease, although its use needs to be individualized. If symptoms tend to come and go, a regular ECG may not find a change in the heartbeat. Your healthcare team may suggest wearing an ECG monitor at home. There are several types of portable ECGs.