Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A test to record electrical signals in the heart

Each time your heart beats, an electrical signal travels through the heart. An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG, measures how fast this signal travels and how much electrical activity is happening in your heart. This can help us determine whether you have an irregular heartbeat known as an arrhythmia, if your heart is overworked or whether you’ve had a heart attack, as well as other heart conditions.

If your doctor suspects a heart condition that doesn’t appear on a standard ECG, you may need one of the other types of heart rhythm monitoring we offer, including:

• Event monitors
• Holter monitors
• Loop recorders
• Stress testing

What to expect from an electrocardiogram

For a standard ECG, you’ll lie down on a bed or table. A technician will place patches called electrodes on your chest and possibly on your arms and legs. The technician may need to clean or shave the areas to make sure the electrodes adhere to your skin.

The electrodes are connected to a machine that displays your heart’s electrical signals as wavy lines. You’ll need to lie still during the test, which should take just a few minutes. Afterward, you should be able to resume your normal activities. The test won’t be painful, and the only side effect you may notice is a slight rash where the electrodes stuck to your skin. This rash usually goes away on its own.

Your doctor will review the results of your ECG and discuss them with you. Additional testing or treatment options may depend on these results.

Treatments