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Alternative Names:
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ECG; EKG
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How to prepare for the test:
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Make sure your health care provider knows about all the medications you are taking, as some can interfere with test results.
Exercising or drinking cold water immediately before an ECG may cause false results.
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How the test will feel:
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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.
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Why the test is performed:
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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.
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What the risks are:
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There are no risks. No electricity is sent through the body, so there is no risk of shock.
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Special considerations:
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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.
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References:
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Ganz L. Electrocardiography. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 54.
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