An electrocardiogram, or EKG for short, is a simple and painless test that records the heart’s activity. With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top of the heart to the bottom, causing the heart to contract and pump blood. This process repeats with every heartbeat.
An EKG shows:
- The rate of the heart beats
- The rhythm of the heart beats
- Irregularity in the heart beats
- Strength and timing of electrical signals as they pass through the heart
The test is used to detect heart conditions, such as heart attacks or arrhythmia. EKGs can also show results of other disorders that affect heart functions. Doctors use EKGs to find the cause of unexplained chest pain and other heart related symptoms.
During an EKG, you will lie on a bed and a special paste will be placed between the electrodes and your skin to improve conduction of the electrical impulses. Several electrodes are attached to the skin on arms and legs and the chest. These electrodes are then hooked on to a machine that traces your heart’s electrical activity from different locations on your chest. You will have to lie very still and breath normally during the test. You should avoid talking at all during the test.
Below is an image of a typical EKG procedure and reading:
About N. Trinh
what are the current recommendations for ekgs on patients w/o a history of cardiac issues going for surgery, having an anesthetic?
over 40?
over 50?
etc…
and those with htn, dysrhythmias, mi, angina, use, etc?????