Electrocardiography (EKG/ECG)
Electrocardiography is a diagnostic test for the heart’s electrical activity. It is a quick, painless, and noninvasive method. Electrodes or sensors will be attached to your chest, arms, and legs while you lie down or exercising. An EKG senses the electrical signal from the sinoatrial node, the heart natural pacemaker, tracks the heart muscle contraction, and sends the data to a computer which will display the recording in a wave pattern.
Who needs an EKG?
You may need an EKG if you have symptoms as follows:
- Skipped heartbeat.
- Palpitation.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
What can an EKG reveal?
An EKG can help check the heart rhythm, diagnose a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart conditions such as ischemia, enlarged heart, or conduction disorder, and assess if you are physically fit for surgery. If you have a history of a heart attack, have a pacemaker, or starting to take heart medications, EKG can reveal how well your heart is doing.
However, an EKG may not pick up rare, infrequent heart rhythm irregularities. You may need other types of EKG recording devices, such as:
- Holter monitor: A wearable electrical device to track the heart’s electrical activity for 1-2 days.
- Cardiac even recorder: An electrical device that requires you to push a button when you sense abnormal heart symptoms.
Once your doctor has the results, he/she will discuss with you if you have
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Poor cardiac blood circulation
An EKG can evaluate your heart and heart rhythm and help deciding on an appropriate treatment plan. EKG is a simple and low-risk procedure that may only cause skin irritation from the electrodes in some people.
