What Is an Electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram (e-lek-tro-KAR-de-o-gram), or
EKG, is a simple, painless test that records the heart's electrical activity.
To understand this test, it helps to understand how the heart works.
With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads
from the top of the heart to the bottom. As it travels, the signal causes the
heart to contract and pump blood. The process repeats with each new heartbeat.
The heart's electrical signals set the rhythm of the heartbeat.
For more detailed information, see the Diseases and
Conditions Index article on
How
the Heart Works.
An EKG shows:
- How fast your heart is beating
- Whether the rhythm of your heartbeat is steady or
irregular
- The strength and timing of electrical signals as
they pass through each part of your heart
This test is used to detect and evaluate many heart
problems, such as
heart
attack,
arrhythmia
(ah-RITH-me-ah), and
heart
failure. EKG results also can suggest other disorders that affect heart
function.
EKGs also are used to monitor how the heart is
working. This article focuses on how EKGs are used for testing purposes.
November 2008
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