ECG

ECG or Electrocardiogram is a painless and non-invasive testing technique that checks for the signs of heart disease. Your heartbeat is prompted by an electrical signal that starts in the top part of your heart and travels to the bottom. Heart diseases usually disrupt this electrical activity of your heart.

An ECG test measures the electrical activity of your heart. It is also known as EKG test.

How is an ECG test used?

The EKG or Electrocardiogram is a safe, quick, painless and efficient way to have a look at your heart's electrical activity. This test is useful because it helps your doctor in having a look at:

• thickened heart muscle
• narrowed or blocked arteries (coronary artery disease)
• abnormal heart rhythm
• low blood flow to the heart muscle
• electrolyte imbalances such as high or low calcium or high potassium
• causes of heart attack

When is an ECG test recommended?

Doctors usually recommend an electrocardiogram when your body is showing symptoms of a heart disease which might look like:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Lethargy or weakness
• Lightheadedness or confusion
• Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
• Racing or uneven heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Usual sounds when a doctor listens to your heart
• Rapid pulse

ECG test is also ordered when you cross the age of 50 and have a family history of heart disease to detect any early signs of heart disease.

How does an ECG work?

Electrocardiogram uses a portable machine that has long wire-like flexible tubes called leads attached to sticky electrodes. The electrodes are placed on designated areas around your heart and on your arms and legs. These electrodes take in electrical impulses coming from multiple directions which are then measured, interpreted and printed out.

ECG test procedure

EKG or electrocardiogram is performed like this:

1. You will be asked to change yourself in a hospital gown.
2. A technician will then attach 10 to 15 soft electrodes using adhesive pads to your arms, legs and chest. (he might as well shave some small areas to make sure that electrodes stick to your skin properly)
3. The electrodes also known as sensors are then attached to an EKG machine using electrical leads or wires.
4. Then you will be asked to lie flat on a table while a computer creates images on graph paper of electrical activity that happens through your heart. (You are supposed to breathe normally and lie as still as possible during the test. You are also not allowed to talk during the test.)
5. After completion of the procedure electrodes will be removed from your skin and discarded.
6. The entire procedure takes about 10 to 12 minutes.

What do the results from an electrocardiogram mean?

Results from an ECG usually come back the same day and they can be interpreted effectively by a specialised person only.

If your ECG is normal then you won't need any further testing or medication.

And in case of abnormal results you will be prescribed with an echocardiogram or other diagnostic tests and the treatment will be dependent on what is causing your symptoms.

What are the risks of an electrocardiogram?

ECG simply monitors the electrical activity of your heart, it doesn't emit any electricity in that procedure so it is completely safe.

However, some people may experience a rash on their skin where electrodes are placed but these rashes usually go away in a day or two after the test.