Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram also known as an ECG or EKG is used to monitor your heart. Each beat of your heart is triggered by an electrical impulse generated from special cells in the right upper chamber of your heart. It records these electrical signals as they travel through your heart.

Your doctor will use an electrocardiogram to look for patterns among these heartbeats and rhythms to diagnose various heart conditions.

An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive, painless test. You doctor will likely report the results of your electrocardiogram the same day it is performed.

An electrocardiogram can be done in the doctor's office or hospital, and is often performed by a technician. After changing into a hospital gown, you will lie on an examining table or bed. Various electrodes - often 12 to 15 - will be attached to your arms, legs and chest.

The electrodes are sticky patches applied with a gel to help detect and conduct the electrical currents of your heart. If you have hair on the parts of your body where the electrodes will be placed, the technician may need to shave the hair so that the electrodes stick properly.

You can breathe normally during the electrocardiogram. Make sure you are warm and ready to lie still, however. Moving, talking or shivering may distort the test results. A standard ECG takes just a few minutes.

If your heart problems occur most often during exercise, your doctor may ask you to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike during an ECG. This is called a stress test. If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to walk, medication may be injected to mimic the effect of exercise on the heart.

When do you need an Electrocardiogram?

The health of your heart is very important and doctors will use an electrocardiogram as one of the tools to monitor its health.

Your doctor may use an electrocardiogram to:

• detect irregularities in your heart rhythm,
• heart defects, or
• Problems with the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart.

Medical practitioners can also use an electrocardiogram to confirm if you are having a heart attack or if you have had a heart attack in the past.

What are the Risks in an Electrocardiogram?

It is not true that you will be electrocuted during an electrocardiogram. It is a relatively safe procedure and the electrodes placed in your body only record the electric activity of your heart. They do not emit any electricity.

You will feel only minor discomfort, similar to removing a band-aid, when the electrodes are removed. Rarely, a reaction to the electrodes may cause redness or swelling of the skin. If this was to happen, you might want to inform your doctor, as it may be a sign of something more sinister.

A stress test, in which an ECG is performed while you exercise or after you take medication that mimics effects of exercise, may cause irregular heartbeats. This side effect is caused by the exercise or medication, not the ECG itself.

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