Overview

An electrocardiogram (also called ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart through 10 small electrode patches attached to the skin of your chest, arms and legs. An ECG may be part of a complete physical exam or it may be used to further investigate symptoms related to heart problems.

Why ECG used?

• To assess your heart rhythm.
• To diagnose poor blood flow to the heart muscle.
• To diagnose a heart attack.
• To diagnose abnormalities of your heart, such as heart chamber enlargement or abnormal electrical conduction.
  

How should I prepare for the test?

Avoid oily or greasy skin creams and lotions the day of the test. They interfere with the electrode-skin contact. Avoid full-length hosiery, because electrodes need to be placed directly on the legs. Wear a shirt that can be easily removed to place the leads on the chest.

What happens during the test?

During the procedure, a technician will attach 10 electrodes with adhesive pads to the skin of your chest, arms and legs. You will lie flat while the computer creates a picture, on graph paper, of the electrical impulses traveling through your heart. This is called a "resting" ECG. This same test may also be used to monitor your heart during exercise.

It takes about 10 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds.