How often should I get an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Internal Medicine

If you are middle-aged or elderly and have risk factors for a heart attack -- such as high blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or diabetes -- you should probably have an electrocardiogram (ECG) yearly, even if you're feeling fine. Also, because there are wide ranges of what's considered a "normal" ECG, it's helpful to have a baseline ECG to compare against future tests, to spot any abnormal changes.

Continue Learning about Heart and Circulatory System

The surprising link between your brain and heart

What’s good for your heart may also be good for your brain and your mood. A report in the Gallup-Sharecare State of American Well-Being series measure...

Lifestyle changes for managing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disorder that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thickened. Most cases are genetic and occur due to g...

Heart failure and heart rhythm: the link you need to know about

The heart acts as a pump, sending oxygen-rich blood out to the body and oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs. To execute its duties, it must contract wi...

The insider's guide to healthy Hawaii: 9 heart-healthy rules to live by

Put these practices into place and you could lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading causes of de...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Features:

Condition Headquarters:

How often should I get an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

Continue Learning about Heart and Circulatory System