What is an electrocardiogram (EKG)?

An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) is a test that measures the electrical signals that control heart rhythm. The test measures how electrical impulses move through the heart muscle as it contracts and relaxes.

During an electrocardiogram, small pads (electrodes) are attached to the skin on the chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are also connected to a machine that translates the electrical activity into line tracings on paper. These tracings are often analyzed by the machine and then carefully reviewed by a doctor for abnormalities.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic test that is used to detect abnormalities in the heart's rhythm. It also can provide important information about damage to the heart, valve disorders, structural abnormalities in the heart's walls, and more.

An electrocardiogram, also called electrocardiography, ECG or EKG, is a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It may be taken at rest or during exercise. It is the standard clinical tool for diagnosing abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) and to check if the heart is getting enough blood or if areas of the heart are abnormally thick. Small patches called electrodes are placed on different parts of the body. Different tracings of the heart's electrical activity can be made and permanently recorded on paper or in a computer. Three major waves of electric signals appear on the ECG. Each one shows a different part of the heartbeat. The P wave records the electrical activity of the upper chambers (atria). The QRS wave records the electrical activity of the lower chambers (ventricles), and the T wave records the heart's return to the resting state. Doctors study the shape and size of the waves, the time between waves and the rate and regularity of beating. This tells a lot about the heart and its rhythm.

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Although cardiologists apply different criteria when evaluating women’s and men’s electrocardiograms, ECG is considered to be as reliable in assessing heart-disease risk in women as it is in men.

It is painless, risk-free and usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms and legs. The electrodes are connected by lead wires to an ECG machine, which produces a tracing of the electrical activity of the heart. The tracing can be measured, interpreted by the machine’s computer and printed out for the physician’s information and further interpretation.

What to expect:

• An ECG is often performed in an office visit.
• Electrodes are placed on your skin.
• Electrodes transmit, but do not generate, impulses.
• The test will last about 30 minutes.
• You should be able to go home on your own.

An EKG (electrocardiogram or ECG) is a simple test your doctor can do to assess your heart muscle or valve function while diagnosing atrial fibrillation. When the EKG is done at the time of an arrhythmia, the doctor can see the arrhythmia happening. To diagnose paroxysmal or occasional atrial fibrillation, you may have to wear a portable ECG, called a Holter monitor, or event monitor. This type of arrhythmia comes and goes, and it may not be detected at your doctor's visit. The EKG will show your doctor how fast your heart beats and also the rhythm (whether steady or chaotic). This test also makes a record of the strength and timing of electrical signals in the heart. Depending on the results of the EKG and the cause of your atrial fibrillation, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as stopping alcohol, coffee, cigarettes and a medication. Or if the atrial fibrillation is persistent, your doctor may prescribe medications and/or electrical cardioversion.

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a noninvasive test graphically showing how the electrical impulses flow through the heart. Abnormalities may indicate that a heart attack has occurred in the past.

If you’re in the ER because of chest pain, or you have a cardiac history, you will have an electrocardiogram (ECG, also called EKG) done and may remain hooked up to a cardiac monitor. An ECG does not hurt but requires you to lie still and silent during the test. You will be attached to a recording machine by several sticky pasties placed across the chest and on your limbs or sides. ECG machines record the electrical activity of your heart as lines (wave forms) on a small strip of graph paper. The computer records several beats simultaneously, as viewed from 12 or 16 sides of the heart. Most ECG machines are capable of interpreting the tracing as it prints the paper copy. The "machine" interpretation is not to take the place of a doctor’s interpretation.

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart as it contracts and rests. To record the ECG, a technician positions a number of small contacts on your arms, legs and chest to connect them to an ECG machine. An ECG can detect arrhythmias and heart damage, inadequate blood flow and heart enlargement.

An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, is a quick, painless test that measures the heart’s electrical activity and records any disturbances in heart rhythm. It transforms the heart’s electrical activity into a tracing on paper. These tracings can help determine if the rhythm of the heart is normal and can give clues whether the heart’s chambers are enlarged or under strain. Certain patterns in the ECG may also be associated with certain types of congenital heart disease.

The single most widely used test for detecting heart problems is the electrocardiogram, which is abbreviated as ECG (or EKG, from the German spelling of electrocardiogram). The ECG provides a picture of the electrical activity that regulates the heart's cycle of contraction and relaxation. Every person with suspected or diagnosed coronary artery disease should have an ECG as part of an initial evaluation. This test is likely to be repeated periodically to detect whether a heart attack occurred between examinations.