An electrocardiogram, commonly known as an EKG or ECG, is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that provides valuable insights into the heart’s electrical activity. It assesses heart health. Healthcare providers use EKGs to evaluate heart function. It is a standard method for initial cardiac assessment.
How an EKG Works
The heart generates its own electrical impulses, which coordinate the contractions of its chambers, enabling it to pump blood throughout the body. An EKG machine detects these tiny electrical signals produced by the heart muscle as it beats. Specialized sensors, called electrodes, are placed on the skin to pick up these electrical currents.
These detected electrical signals are then amplified and translated into a series of waves and spikes that are recorded on a piece of graph paper or displayed on a screen. Each wave corresponds to a specific phase of the heart’s electrical activity, such as the contraction of the atria or ventricles. Analyzing these waves helps professionals understand the heart’s electrical function. The EKG provides a visual representation of the heart’s electrical rhythm.
When an EKG is Recommended
An EKG is often recommended when individuals experience symptoms that could indicate a heart issue. These symptoms might include chest pain or discomfort, a sensation of a racing or fluttering heart, unexplained shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue. The test helps healthcare providers investigate the underlying cause of these complaints.
Beyond symptom evaluation, an EKG diagnoses or monitors various heart conditions. It can identify arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms, and provide evidence of a past or ongoing heart attack by showing characteristic changes in the electrical patterns. The EKG also assists in detecting structural heart problems, such as an enlarged heart, by revealing changes in the electrical axis or chamber hypertrophy.
Doctors may also order an EKG as part of routine check-ups, particularly for individuals with risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. It is a standard component of pre-surgical evaluations to ensure the heart can withstand the stress of an operation. An EKG also helps monitor the effectiveness of certain heart medications, ensuring they are not causing adverse electrical effects.
What to Expect During and After an EKG
An EKG is a straightforward, painless procedure that takes only a few minutes. During the test, you will be asked to lie still on an examination table. A healthcare professional will attach small, adhesive electrodes to specific areas on your chest, arms, and legs.
These electrodes are connected by wires to the EKG machine, which records the electrical signals from your heart. There is no electricity sent into your body, and you will not feel any discomfort from the electrodes. To ensure clear readings, avoid applying oily lotions or creams to your skin before the test, as they can interfere with electrode adhesion.
Once the recording is complete, the electrodes are removed, and you can resume your normal activities immediately. The EKG tracing is then reviewed by a doctor who interprets the patterns and rhythms recorded. Based on these results, the doctor will discuss the findings with you and determine if any further tests or treatments are necessary.