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An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker).
Alternative Names:
Electrocardiogram; EKG
How the test is performed:
You are asked to lie down, and electrodes are affixed to each arm and leg and to your chest. This requires cleaning the site and, if necessary, shaving or clipping hair. The standard number of leads attached is 12 to 15 for a diagnostic ECG but may b e as few as 3 to 5 for a monitoring procedure.
You are usually required to remain still, and you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods during the procedure. Sometimes this test is performed while you are exercising or under minimal stress to monitor changes in the heart. This type of ECG is often called a stress test.
The results are recorded on graph paper.
How to prepare for the test:
Before the ECG, tell your health care provider if you are taking any medications.
There are no restrictions for food or fluids. However, ingestion of cold water immediately before an ECG may produce changes in one of the waveforms recorded (the T wave). Exercise (such as climbing stairs) immediately before an ECG may significantly increase your heart rate.
You may be asked to remove all jewelry and to wear a hospital gown.
How the test will feel:
An ECG is painless. When first applied, the disks may be cold and in rare circumstances, you may develop a localized rash or irritation where the patches are placed.
Why the test is performed:
An ECG is very useful in determining whether a person has heart disease. If a person has chest pain or palpitations, an ECG is helpful in determining if the heart is beating normally. If a person is on medications that may affect the heart or if the patient is on a pacemaker, an ECG can readily determine the immediate effects of changes in activity or medication levels. An ECG may be included as part of a routine examination in patients over 40 years old.
What the risks are:
There are generally no risks. Because this procedure merely monitors the electrical impulses and does not emit electricity, there is no risk of shock.
During an exercise electrocardiogram, some patients experience arrhythmias or heart distress. Equipment for dealing with these occurrences is located in the testing area.
Special considerations:
The accuracy of the ECG varies with the condition being tested. Some heart conditions are not detectable all the time, and others may never produce any specific ECG changes.
A person who suspects heart disease or has had a heart attack may need more than one ECG. T here is no reason for healthy people to undergo annual testing unless they have inherited risks or a medical condition.
It is important to be relaxed and relatively warm during ECG recording. Any movement, including muscle tremors such as shivering, can alter the tracing.
Normal Values:
Heart rate: 50 to 100 beats per minute.
Rhythm: consistent and even.
What abnormal results mean:
Abnormal ECG results may indicate the following:
Myocardial (cardiac muscle) defect
Enlargement of the heart
Congenital defects
Heart valve disease
Arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms)
Tachycardia (heart rate too fast) or bradycardia (too slow)
Ectopic heartbeat
Coronary artery disease
Inflammation of the h eart (myocarditis)
Changes in the amount of electrolytes (chemicals in the blood)
Past heart attack
Present or impending heart attack
