An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures the electrical signals in the heart. It is a simple, painless, and quick test that records the hearts electrical activity. Electrodes are placed on the chest to record the heart's electrical signals, which cause the heart to beat. The signals are shown as waves on an attached computer monitor or printer. An EKG can show:
- How fast the heart is beating
- Whether the rhythm of the heartbeat is steady or irregular
- Whether there is poor blood flow to the heart muscle due to coronary artery disease
- Whether there is an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia
- Whether there is a previous heart attack that went undetected
- Structural problems within the heart or artery blockages in the heart
An EKG is a painless, noninvasive way to help diagnose many common heart problems. It is often done in a healthcare provider's office, a clinic, or a hospital room, and ECG machines are standard equipment in operating rooms and ambulances. Some personal devices, such as smartwatches, offer ECG monitoring.
