EKG

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart.

Why It Is Done

An EKG is done to:

  • Check the heart’s electrical activity.
  • Find the cause of unexplained chest pain or pressure. This could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), or angina.
  • Find the cause of symptoms of heart disease. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and heartbeats that are rapid and irregular (palpitations).
  • Find out if the walls of the heart chambers are too thick.
  • Check how well medicines are working and see if they are causing side effects that affect the heart.
  • Check how well mechanical devices are implanted in the heart, such as pacemakers, are working. These devices help to control the heartbeat.
  • Check the health of the heart when other diseases or conditions are present. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and a family history of early heart disease

 
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