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EKG (Electrocardiogram)

An electrocardiogram is a test of the heart and is also known as an EKG or ECG. It records the electric currents produced by the heart. It measures the current through the skin with electrodes that are attached to the chest. Electrodes are harmless devices with wires that lead to a recording machine.

An EKG helps identify various problems with the heart and may be used for any of the following:

• to assess the damage from a heart attack

• to identify heartbeat abnormalities

• to identify diseases of the heart muscle

• to monitor drug therapy for the heart and

• to see if a pacemaker is working

A resting EKG takes no more than 5 to 10 minutes to administer. An EKG taken during exercise, called a stress test, takes longer. The examiner attaches electrodes to the chest, wrists, and legs with a special gel. A recording machine will trace a wave pattern for each wire lead. For a resting EKG, the person must remain still and quiet.

An exercise EKG is performed while the person walks on a treadmill or rides a cycle. This gives important information beyond the resting EKG. The examiner asks the person to maintain or increase effort. Blood pressure is measured along with heart activity. Unless the person has pain or fatigue, the test goes until he reaches a target heart rate. Monitoring usually continues for 10 or 15 minutes after the exercise stops.

The healthcare provider will interpret the EKG tracings and report the findings to the patient after the test.

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