An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a medical test that records the heart’s electrical activity over a period of time using electrodes placed on the skin. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure commonly used to detect and monitor various heart conditions. The EKG can identify irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart attacks (both current and past), and other cardiac abnormalities.
During the test, electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect electrical signals generated by the heart as it beats. The EKG machine records these signals and produces a graph (tracing) that shows the timing and duration of each electrical phase in the heartbeat cycle.
EKGs are essential for diagnosing a range of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart valve issues, and pericarditis. They can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for heart conditions and to check the functioning of implanted devices like pacemakers.
A standard EKG consists of 12 leads, each providing a different view of the heart’s electrical activity, which helps create a comprehensive assessment of the heart’s health.
Results are interpreted by a healthcare provider to determine if any further testing or treatment is necessary.
