|
Alternative Names:
|
|
ECG; EKG
|
|
|
How the test will feel:
|
|
An ECG is painless. No electricity is sent through the body. The electrodes may feel cold when first applied. In rare cases, some people may develop a rash or irritation where the patches were placed.
|
|
|
Why the test is performed:
|
|
An ECG is used to measure:
- Any damage to the heart
- How fast your heart is beating and whether it is beating normally
- The effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemaker)
- The size and position of your heart chambers
An ECG is usually the first test done to determine whether a person has heart disease. Your doctor may order this test if:
- You have chest pain or palpitations
- You are scheduled for surgery
- You have had heart problems in the past
- You have a strong history of heart disease in the family
There is no reason for healthy people to have yearly ECG tests.
|
|
|
What the risks are:
|
|
There are no risks. No electricity is sent through the body, so there is no risk of shock.
|
|
|
Special considerations:
|
|
The accuracy of the ECG depends on the condition being tested. A heart problem may not always show up on the ECG. Some heart conditions never produce any specific ECG changes.
|
|
|
References:
|
|
Ganz L. Electrocardiography. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 54.
|
|
