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Health Services
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram
An Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a simple test used to evaluate the heart and measure its electrical activity. An electrocardiogram may be done on an outpatient basis. No electricity is sent into the body and the test usually takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.
Quick & Safe
Duration: 5-10 minutes | Safety: No electricity sent into body | Setting: Outpatient basis
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Why Use It?
Research indicates that electrocardiograms can detect cardiac conditions that put people at risk. Physical exams that incorporate screenings with an electrocardiogram are six times more likely to detect a risky heart condition than screenings that involve only a patient's history and physical.
Detection Effectiveness
Physical exams with EKG are 6x more likely to detect risky heart conditions
A 12-Lead EKG can help with:
Assessing overall heart health before treatment or surgery
Detecting irregular heartbeats
Monitoring the effects of medication
Identifying the cause of an arrhythmia
Getting a baseline tracing of the heart's function
Finding the cause of heart disease symptoms
Investigating a history of fainting or palpitations
Checking if the heart's walls are too thick
Determining if there is evidence of a heart attack
Finding the cause of unexplained chest pain
Electrocardiogram Facts
How It Works
An electrocardiogram records the electrical signals in the heart.
Patient Experience
An electrocardiogram is a quick, painless, and harmless procedure.
Historical Development
Willem Einthoven developed the modern electrocardiogram in 1902.
Conditions EKGs Can Detect
Pregnancy
Arrhythmia
Coronary Heart Disease
Heart Attacks
Cardiomyopathy
Heart Failure
Heart Valve Diseases
Congenital Heart Defects
What to Expect?
During an electrocardiogram test, your provider will ask you to lie on an exam table while you continue to breathe normally. It takes about 10 minutes for the twelve electrodes or patches to be attached to certain spots of your chest, arms, and legs.
During the Test
- Lie on exam table and breathe normally
- 12 electrodes attached to chest, arms, and legs
- Electrodes detect heart's electrical signals
- Technician available for questions
Test Requirements
- No fasting required before the test
- No special care needed after test
- Results available same day
- Signals displayed on monitor for analysis
Potential Considerations
Factors That May Affect Results
- Obesity
- Size of chest or heart location
- Movement during test
- Smoking before test
- Certain medications
- Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, magnesium, calcium)
Possible Discomfort
- Some discomfort when sticky electrodes are removed
- Possible skin irritation if patches left on too long
Important: Depending on your medical condition, there may be a risk associated with an electrocardiogram test. We recommend that you discuss any concerns with your provider before the test.