Definition An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG, is a graphic record of the heart's electrical activity. Doctors use it to help diagnose heart disease. They can also use it to monitor how well different heart medications are working.
Who is a candidate for the test? An ECG is done on a person to help diagnose heart disease. It may also be used to monitor how well different heart medications are working. Persons coming into the emergency room with chest pain, shortness of breath will have an ECG performed. An ECG may be necessary prior to a person having major surgery as a baseline tracing.
How is the test performed? A person can have an ECG while either lying down or exercising on a treadmill. A technician will use an adhesive to attach 12 electrodes at specific sites on the skin. These sites are selected on both arms and on the chest. The sites will be cleaned and perhaps shaved before the electrodes are attached. A machine then records the electrical activity of the heart under conditions a doctor has specified. An ECG usually takes about 5 minutes to perform.
What is involved in preparation for the test? Individuals will be given specific instructions by their doctor if necessary.
What do the test results mean? Normal results include the following:
a heart rate that is between 50 and 100 beats per second
a consistent and even rhythm
a pattern on the graph that corresponds to pattern profiles established for healthy people
Abnormal results can come from any of the following:
a muscle defect
an enlargement of the heart
defects from birth
heart-valve disease
abnormal rhythms (or arrhythmias including tachycardia, a heartbeat that is too fast, or bradycardia, a heartbeat that is too slow)
coronary artery disease
an inflammation of the heart
an altered electrolyte balance (including potassium or sodium abnormalities)
a past heart attack, one that is happening at the moment, or one that is about to happen
Author: David T. Moran, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
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