Electrocardiogram (ekg/ecg)

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An EKG translates the heart's electrical activity into line tracings on paper.

An EKG is done to:

• Check the heart's electrical activity.
• Find the cause of unexplained chest pain or pressure. This could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), or angina.
• Find the cause of symptoms of heart disease. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and heartbeats that are rapid and irregular (palpitations).
• Find out if the walls of the heart chambers are too thick.
• Check how well medicines are working and see if they are causing side effects that affect the heart.
• Check how well mechanical devices that are implanted in the heart, such as pacemakers, are working. These devices help to control the heartbeat.
• Check the health of the heart when other diseases or conditions are present. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and a family history of early heart disease.

• You may have to remove certain jewelry.
• You will take your top off and be given a gown to wear.
• You will lie on a bed or table. Parts of your arms, legs, and chest will be cleaned and may be shaved.
• Small pads or patches (electrodes) will be placed, like stickers, on your skin on each arm and leg and on your chest. The electrodes are hooked to a machine that traces your heart activity onto a paper.
• During the test, lie very still and breathe normally. Do not talk during the test.

• Tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines your child takes. Many medicines can change the results of this test.
• On the day of the test, don't use creams, lotions, powders, or baby oil on your child's skin.
• Bringing a toy, blanket, or doll might help your child feel more comfortable during the test.

The doctor will look at the pattern of spikes and dips on your EKG to check the electrical activity in different parts of your heart. The spikes and dips are grouped into different sections that show how your heart is working.

Sometimes your EKG may look normal even when you have heart disease. For this reason, the EKG should always be looked at along with your symptoms, past health, and a physical exam.