What is an EKG?

An electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG, is a medical test used to check the heart for any signs of illness or other abnormal activities. It does this by measuring electrical activity in the heart muscle. The machine includes electrodes (small, adhesive disks) that are placed on the patient’s chest, arms and feet. The machine then reads the electrical signals that are created as the heart beats. The trace of the electrical activity is called an Electrocardiogram.

An EKG is commonly used to check for:

• Heart attack
• Cardiac arrest
• An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• A heartbeat that’s too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia)
• Congenital heart defect
• Damage to heart muscle from a prior heart attack
• Enlarged heart
• Abnormal levels of electrolytes in the body
• Abnormal heart valves
• Heart failure

How is an EKG performed?

An EKG is usually a fast and simple procedure that takes only a few minutes to complete. It is usually administered by a technician, nurse or doctor. The patient is asked to remove any jewelry or metal items that may interfere with the EKG machine. The patient is then asked to lie down or sit in a chair. The technician or doctor will then attach electrodes to the patient’s chest, arms and legs. The electrodes are hooked up to a machine that records the heart’s electrical activity. The trace is then printed in the form of a graph, which can be interpreted by a doctor. The patient may feel slight discomfort from the electrodes and a slight contraction in the chest as the electrodes make contact.

What does an EKG measure?

An EKG measures electrical activity as it passes through the heart and records it on a graph that physicians can look at to identify any irregularities in the heart rate and rhythm, as well as any other problems. It is important to note that an EKG does not measure the pressure of the blood flowing through the heart. An EKG may be done prior to or during cardiac catheterization, an imaging test used to look at the heart and its blood vessels, as well as measure the pressure within the heart chambers. An EKG also may be done before or after exercise or a stress test to diagnose any cardiovascular problems.

An EKG provides important information about the heart health that can help the doctor diagnose cardiovascular problems and make decisions on the best course of treatment.