Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a non-invasive medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It records the heart’s electrical impulses as they travel through the heart muscle, providing information on:

• Heart rate and rhythm
• Heart chamber contractions
• Electrical conduction pathways
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Signs of heart damage or disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy)

The test involves:

• Attaching electrodes to the skin (usually on the chest, arms, and legs)
• Recording the heart’s electrical activity for a few seconds or minutes
• Analyzing the data to identify any abnormalities

Types of EKGs:

• Resting EKG (done while lying down)
• Stress EKG (done during exercise or physical activity)
• Ambulatory EKG (done over an extended period, often 24-48 hours)

EKG is used to:

• Diagnose heart conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia)
• Monitor heart health (e.g., after a heart attack or surgery)
• Detect electrolyte imbalances or medication side effects
• Investigate symptoms (e.g., chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath)

Note: An EKG is not the same as an echocardiogram (echo), which uses ultrasound to visualize the heart’s structure and function.