When might you need an Electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG)
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An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, is a simple and painless test that measures the electrical impulses of your heart to check for signs of heart disease. It's done through small electrode patches that a technician attaches to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs.
With an EKG test, your doctor can quickly:
If your doctor thinks you may have a heart condition, this is probably the first test you'll get. ECG vs. EKG ECG and EKG are both nicknames for the same test, echocardiogram. EKG comes from the German spelling, elektrokardiogramm. Your doctor might use the term EKG to avoid confusion with an EEG, a different type of medical test that measures brain waves. Electrocardiogram vs. echocardiogram An echocardiogram is a different kind of test for your heart. It's an ultrasound test, which means it uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart as it beats. But with an EKG, a computer translates the electrical signals from your heart into a pattern of wavy lines that your doctor can read. Types of EKG TestsYour doctor may do different types of EKG to get the information they need about your heart. These include: Resting EKG This is the standard type of EKG. It's done while you're lying down and resting. It can be done in your doctor's office, a clinic, or the hospital. Stress test This EKG is done while you exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill. You'll gradually increase the intensity of the exercise so your doctor can see how your heart reacts. Signal-averaged EKG This more detailed test helps your doctor see whether you're at high risk of developing a potentially fatal heart arrhythmia. It captures the electrical signals from your heart for about 20 minutes. The readings are then averaged Ambulatory EKG You get this EKG while you go about your usual daily activities. You'll wear a portable device that records your heart activity. What Information Does an EKG Detect?Your heart's electrical activity controls your heartbeat. Electrocardiography lets your doctor see how much of this activity there is, how strong it is, and how much time passes between electrical impulses. In a healthy person, the heartbeat will be regular and consistent. Your doctor might order an EKG if you have symptoms of possible heart disease such as:
They might use the EKG results to look for:
Your doctor might also use an electrocardiogram to see:
How Is an Electrocardiogram Done?A technician will attach several electrodes with adhesive pads to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. If you have hair in those areas, they may need to shave it to allow a better connection. During a resting EKG test, you lie flat while the computer creates a picture, on a graph paper, of the electrical impulses that move through your heart. Avoid talking, as it could affect the test results. For a stress test, you'll use a treadmill or exercise bike. You'll start off slowly, and the exercise will gradually get more intense. If you're unable to exercise, your doctor can give you a drug to raise your heart rate instead. For an ambulatory EKG, you'll leave the health care facility after the doctor or technician attaches the electrodes. They'll tell you when to return to have them removed. You won't feel any pain or sensation from the electrodes while they measure your heart activity. When the EKG is complete, you can return to your normal activities right away. How long does an EKG take? It takes about 10 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the resting EKG test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds. A stress test takes 40-60 minutes. Your doctor will keep your EKG patterns on file so that they can compare them to tests you get in the future. EKG ResultsAbnormal EKG results could be a sign of several conditions, including:
Your doctor may be able to determine what heart condition you may have depending on which part of your results were abnormal. If my EKG is normal, is my heart OK? It's possible to have normal EKG results and still have a heart condition. You might need further testing before your doctor can make a diagnosis. Electrocardiogram RisksAn EKG has few risks. It doesn't transmit electricity to your body, so it can't give you a shock. You might have a rash or skin irritation where the electrodes were removed. Some things can interfere with the test results, including:
Before getting an EKG, make sure your doctor knows about any health conditions you may have (including pregnancy) and all medicines and supplements you take. TakeawaysAn electrocardiogram is a simple and painless test that can help your doctor see whether you have any heart issues. They can also use it to see how you're responding to heart medications or treatments such as a pacemaker, or if you're healthy enough for surgery. It works by measuring your heart's electrical activity, which is then converted into a graph that your doctor can interpret. Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on February 11, 2024
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
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