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What is an ECG?

An ECG (electrocardiogram) also called an EKG is a simple test that records the heart's electrical activity.

An ECG will show:

• How fast your heart is beating 
• Whether the rhythm of your heartbeat is steady or irregular
• The strength and timing of electrical signals as they pass through each part of your heart

Some of the reasons an ECG is done include:

• as a part of a routine check-up

• as part of a cardiac exercise stress test
• as part of the evaluation of symptoms
• to find the cause of your symptoms
• to tell how well a medication is working
• as part of preoperative workup for surgery

How is the test done?

Any oil or perspiration is removed from the skin where the small sticky pads (called electrodes) will be placed on your arms, legs and chest. They are connected by wires to an ECG machine where the impulses are recorded on graph paper.

How long does an ECG take?

The test only takes a few minutes and does not cause any discomfort.