What is an Electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An ECG translates the heart’s electrical activity into line tracings on paper, so that a physician can interpret the results.
Reasons for the Test
- Check the heart’s electrical activity.
- Determine the cause of unexplained chest pain, which could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the heart, or angina.
- Find the cause of your symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or rapid irregular heartbeats (palpitations).
- Determine if the walls of the heart chambers are too thick (hypertrophied).
- Determine if you have had a heart attack in the past.
- Help predict if there are any blockages in your arteries.
- Monitor changes in your heart rhythm.
How To Prepare
You can eat and perform your activities of daily living before the test, however, please do not consume any caffeine 4 hours prior to your test (no tea, coffee, decaffeinated products, chocolate, soda pop or medications containing caffeine).
How It Is Done
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is done by a technician, and the resulting ECG is interpreted by a doctor, such as an internist, family physician, cardiologist, or surgeon. You may receive an ECG as part of a physical examination at your health professional’s office or during a series of tests at a hospital or clinic.
