What is an EKG?
An EKG, also called an electrocardiogram or ECG, is a simple, painless diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of your heart. Small electrode patches are placed on your chest, arms, and legs to detect the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. These signals are then displayed as waves on a screen or printed on paper, creating a visual representation of your heart's rhythm and electrical function. The test takes only a few minutes to perform and provides immediate results that help your provider assess your heart health. EKGs are one of the most fundamental and widely used tools in cardiovascular medicine, offering valuable information about heart rate, rhythm abnormalities, previous heart attacks, inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle, and structural heart problems.
Why is it Performed?
EKGs serve multiple important diagnostic purposes in both routine preventive care and acute medical situations. Your provider may order an EKG as part of a routine physical examination, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, family history of heart disease, or obesity. The test is essential when you're experiencing symptoms that might indicate a heart problem, including chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat (palpitations), dizziness, or fainting episodes. EKGs can detect dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities like atrial fibrillation that increase stroke risk, identify signs of inadequate blood flow to the heart (ischemia), reveal evidence of previous heart attacks you may not have known you had, and help diagnose enlargement of the heart chambers. If you're starting a new exercise program or have been prescribed certain medications that can affect heart rhythm, an EKG establishes a baseline for comparison. For patients with known heart conditions, periodic EKGs monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness. Because many serious heart conditions produce no symptoms in early stages, EKG screening can detect problems before they lead to heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac death.
What to Expect
When you arrive for your EKG, you'll be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and put on a gown. A technician will clean several areas on your chest, arms, and legs where electrodes will be attached—sometimes small areas of hair may need to be shaved to ensure good electrode contact. Ten small adhesive electrodes connected to wires (called leads) are then positioned on your skin at specific locations. You'll lie still and breathe normally while the machine records your heart's electrical activity for about 10-15 seconds. It's important to remain as still as possible during the recording because movement, talking, or even shivering can interfere with the results. The test is completely painless—you feel nothing while the machine is recording, and removing the electrodes feels similar to removing an adhesive bandage. Your provider will review the EKG results, often while you're still in the office, and discuss any findings with you. If abnormalities are detected, your doctor may recommend additional testing such as an echocardiogram, stress test, or Holter monitor, or refer you to a cardiologist for specialized evaluation.
How to Prepare
Preparing for an EKG requires minimal effort. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed from your upper body. Avoid applying lotions, oils, or powders to your chest, arms, and legs on the day of your test, as these can interfere with electrode adhesion. If you typically wear jewelry or a watch, you may be asked to remove these items. Let your provider know about all medications and supplements you're taking, as some can affect heart rhythm—however, don't stop taking any prescribed medications unless specifically instructed to do so. Inform the technician if you have a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or any other implanted medical devices. There's no need to fast or avoid caffeine unless specifically instructed otherwise for your particular situation.
Have questions about EKGs? Contact Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists & Primary Care at (203) 334-2100 to schedule your appointment.
