Electrocardiogram

(Also called: ECG, EKG)

Purpose

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple and painless test that measures and records the electrical activity of your heart. The main job of your heart is to pump blood throughout your body. The pumping of your heart is regulated by an electrical current or impulse. With each heartbeat, the impulse spreads through the top to the bottom chambers of your heart causing the muscle fibres to contract and squeeze blood out to the rest of your body. Many heart conditions including arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and heart attack can cause changes or disruptions in the electrical activity of your heart. An ECG is a diagnostic test that your doctor may recommend if you are experiencing abnormal heart beats or if you are having chest pain.

Description

• The technician will apply small sticky pads (electrodes) to several spots on your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are then connected to the ECG machine.
• The technician will ask you to lie still for a few minutes. The electrodes will detect the electrical activity of your heart and the results will be recorded. You will not feel anything while this is happening.
• The results are reviewed by a cardiologist and a report is sent to your doctor.

Patient Instructions

You do not need to restrict what you eat or drink before this test, but it is recommended that you not smoke just before the test.