Electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) is a machine or technology that quickly records the electric signals in our hearts. These heart signals occur whenever the heartbeats, that is, on opening or closing of valves to facilitate blood circulation in the body. Electrocardiograms are done in hospitals, doctor’s chambers, and ambulances. This technology has even been adapted to quite a few smartwatches. This is one of the best non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.

Why do you get an ECG/EKG?

ECG’s are an extremely quick and safe, painless way to for the following:

1.     Checking heart rate

2.     Checking heartbeat rhythm

3.     Checking for poor blood flow to your heart muscle

4.     Diagnose a heart attack

5.     Checking on cardiac abnormalities like, the thickened muscle

6.     Detection of significant electrolyte dysfunctionalities, such as high potassium or high or low calcium

 What happens in an ECG test?

Typically, a doctor places electrodes with adhesive pads to the skin of the patient’s chest, arms and legs. During the test, the patient lies flat on their back, as the electrodes detect the movement of the circulation of blood and electric currents in our body. The patterns detected are sent to the computer that is connected to the electrode. These patterns are printed as pictures on graphs. This is called “resting” EKG. The same can be recorded while exercising.

It takes around ten minutes to attach, set and complete the test. While it only takes a few seconds to fully record and print the impulses.

  Types of ECG/EKG Tests

Besides the standard ECG/EKG, there are other types of related tests too. They are:

 1.     Holter Monitor

It is a portable ECG/EKG that checks the electrical activity in our bodies for 1 to 2 days (for the full 24hrs of a day). This is done to check for any abnormal heart rhythm, palpitations, insufficient blood flow in the heart muscle or for such  diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. 

2.     Event Monitor

Doctors can suggest this if one gets symptoms only now and then. When one pushes a button, the machine records the activity of electrical impulses in our body for the next few minutes.

 What should you expect out of the test?

An electrocardiogram is done in a doctor’s hospital and is often done by a nurse or a technician. Before patching up of electrodes, the nurse or technician may shave any body hair present in those patches, if any. During ECG, around 12 sensors (electrodes) are attached to the patient’s chest and limbs with the help of adhesive/sticky patches with wires that are connected to the computer monitor. The patient breathes normally, lying on the bed, as the computer records the information and displays/prints it on computer/paper. A standard ECG gets over within a few minutes. One can continue their daily activities after the test.