An ECG can show the electrical activity of your heart. It will appear as a pattern on a graph. It can help to show abnormal movements or working of the heart.
An ECG is used to:
Symptoms that may lead to your doctor ordering an ECG include:
An ECG may also be done if you:
There are no major problems linked to this test.
You may:
You will be asked to lie quietly on your back. Six small, sticky pads will be placed across your chest. Other pads will be placed on your arms and legs. Wires will be attached to the pads. The wires will also connect to the ECG machine. You will not feel anything during the test.
You can return to your normal activity after the test.
3-4 minutes
No
Your doctor will review the ECG. The results may lead to:
Call your doctor if you have heart-related symptoms. This includes chest pain or trouble breathing.
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
American Heart Association
Heart Rhythm Society
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/SymptomsDiagnosisofHeartAttack/Electrocardiogram-ECG-or-EKG_UCM_309050_Article.jsp. Updated September 11, 2015. Accessed March 5, 2018.
Noninvasive tests and procedures. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/SymptomsDiagnosisofHeartAttack/Non-Invasive-Tests-and-Procedures_UCM_303930_Article.jsp. Updated September 16, 2016. Accessed March 5, 2018.
What is an electrocardiogram? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ekg/. Accessed March 5, 2018.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review BoardAlan Drabkin, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.