What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram - also called an EKG or an ECG - is a noninvasive test that is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It can be used to help diagnose numerous cardiac conditions or to monitor heart health. As a diagnostic technique, an electrocardiogram test is typically performed in a clinic and takes around 5 to 10 minutes.
How does an electrocardiogram test work?
The heart has its own electrical system that synchronizes the heart to contract in rhythm and pump blood. Every heartbeat creates a pattern of electrical activity that can be detected with an electrocardiogram machine. During an EKG, electrodes (small patches that stick to the skin) are placed on the chest, arms, and legs and hooked up to an electrocardiogram machine. The machine records the heart’s electrical activity, and the results are read by a cardiologist.
To help better understand the condition of your heart, an EKG may also be used to measure your heart’s response to stress. In this case, your cardiologist may have you exercise on a treadmill or use intravenous drugs to induce stress.
