Electrocardiogram - ECG

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Introduction

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is useful for identifying if the heart is beating normally.  It may be used for people with chest pain, heart palpitations, or suspected heart disease.  An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart.  It provides information about the size and position of the heart chambers, heart damage, and the effect of a pacemaker or heart regulating medication.
 
Test Procedure
 
Prior to your ECG procedure a technician will apply several discs to your skin.  The discs are attached to electrodes that transmit information to a recording machine.
During the test, you will be asked to remain motionless or hold your breath at times.  An ECG is a painless procedure.  The recording machine will print your results.  Your doctor will review your results with you.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.