What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measures the electrical activity of your heart using electrodes attached to the chest, arms and legs. This low-risk test is a simple, quick and highly effective tool for evaluating your heart and diagnosing conditions. The test will show:
- How fast your heart beats
- Whether your heart rhythm is steady or irregular
- The strength and timing of electrical impulses passing through your heart
Why is an electrocardiogram done?
An electrocardiogram is done to check the heartbeat. It shows how fast or how slow the heart is beating. You may need an EKG if you are experiencing symptoms, such as:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness, feeling faint, or confusion
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Elevated heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Severe weakness or fatigue
- Difficulty exercising
EKGs can be used after a diagnosis, as well. For example, your doctor may want to monitor your heart after you’ve been diagnosed with a type of heart disease or to see how well you are responding to a medication or treatment.
EKGs are used to diagnose many conditions, including:
Types of electrocardiogram
Electrocardiograms typically take place at a healthcare facility or hospital using specialized equipment.
However, you might have irregular symptoms that don’t appear on an EKG in your doctor’s office or the hospital or your doctor might want to monitor your heart as you go about your daily activities.
In those cases, they may ask you to wear a small, portable EKG monitor. These devices record heart activity for a few days, a few weeks or even a few years, allowing your physician to get a more complete picture of your heart health.
There are two main types of portable EKG monitoring:
Holter monitors
Holter monitors record heart activity for up to two days. Electrodes on your chest connect to a small device that collects information throughout the testing period. The device can be worn around your neck or on a belt or shoulder strap. You’ll also be asked to take note of any symptoms while you wear it.
At the end of your test period, your doctor will review the EKG recordings and discuss the next steps.
Event monitors
Event monitors are also portable devices, and there are many different types. Some record your EKG continuously, while others require you to activate the device manually.
A symptom event monitor, for example, allows you to record an EKG when symptoms occur. When you feel a symptom, you hold the monitor to your chest, and it records and stores an EKG reading.
Another type of event monitor goes under the skin of your chest. Called implantable loop recorders, these tools can monitor your heart’s activity for years. These devices deliver wireless transmissions of recordings to a provider, who can alert you if your readings suggest you need immediate medical care.
What to expect when getting an EKG
If you’re having an EKG at your cardiologist’s office or another location, the test will be very simple and painless. There’s little preparation involved, except some basic personal care tips. On the day of the test, avoid putting lotions or oils on your chest and choose a top that’s easy to take off.
If you’re receiving a portable EKG, you’ll receive detailed instructions about how to use the device.
Before an EKG
Just before an EKG test at your provider’s office, you’ll lie on an exam table and a provider will attach electrodes to your chest. They may need to shave your chest to provide a smooth surface for the electrodes.
During an EKG
During an electrocardiogram, the electrodes are connected to an EKG machine, which measures electrical signals in your heart. You will lie still and breathe normally throughout the test. Your provider may ask you to hold your breath at certain points.
The test typically takes between five and 10 minutes.
After an EKG
Once complete, the provider will carefully remove the electrodes. Your reading will be sent to your referring provider. Unless you have an urgent heart condition requiring immediate attention, you can resume your normal daily activities.
Are there any side effects?
EKGs don’t involve electricity going into your body, so there’s no risk of electric shock. You might have some temporary skin irritation once the electrodes are removed. You shouldn’t experience pain or discomfort during the test but alert your provider if you do.
Some medical conditions and other factors, such as taking certain medications or being pregnant, may affect the results. Your doctor will advise you on what to do and not do before the test and inform you of alternative testing, if necessary.
Your EKG results
Whether you have an office-based EKG or wear a portable heart monitor, your cardiologist will review your EKG and look for signs that your heart is beating:
- Too fast (more than 100 beats per minute)
- Too slow (fewer than 60 beats per minute)
- Irregularly
Should I worry about an abnormal EKG?
Your provider will discuss your EKG results with you and explain what they show. If any abnormalities are found, they will indicate what kinds of heart conditions are responsible for your symptoms. Your doctor may need to conduct further tests, such as an echocardiogram or a stress test, to confirm a diagnosis.
If an EKG leads to a diagnosis, your cardiologist will work with you to discuss next steps and determine the right treatment option. The type of heart condition you have and its severity, as well as your overall health, will guide your decision-making.
Find a location near you
You can find ECGs and many other diagnostic testing options at our heart and vascular locations across Central and North Texas.
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