Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a simple and commonly used medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart. Every heartbeat is triggered by an electrical signal, and an ECG captures these signals to show how well the heart is functioning. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure that provides valuable information about heart rhythm, rate, and overall heart health.
During the test, small sensors called electrodes are attached to the skin on the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart and transmit them to a machine, which produces a graph or digital recording. The resulting tracing shows the timing and pattern of heartbeats, allowing doctors to evaluate whether the heart is working normally.
An ECG is often recommended when patients experience symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. It helps in diagnosing conditions like arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart attacks, poor blood flow to the heart (ischemia), electrolyte imbalances, and structural abnormalities of the heart.
There are different types of ECG tests depending on the patient’s condition. A resting ECG records heart activity while the patient is lying still, while a stress ECG monitors the heart during exercise, such as walking on a treadmill. A Holter monitor, which is a portable ECG device worn for 24–48 hours, records continuous heart activity to detect irregularities that may not appear during a short test.
In summary, an electrocardiogram is a safe and effective tool for assessing heart function and detecting cardiac problems early. Since it is fast and widely available, ECG is often the first diagnostic step when evaluating heart-related symptoms.