Electrocardiogram: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

T How the Test is Performed
P You will be asked to lie down. The health care provider will clean several areas on your arms, legs, and chest, and then will attach small patches called electrodes to those areas. It may be necessary to shave or clip some hair so the patches stick to the skin. The number of patches used may vary.
P The patches are connected by wires to a machine that turns the heart's electrical signals into wavy lines, which are often printed on paper. The doctor reviews the test results.
P You will need to remain still during the procedure. The provider may also ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds as the test is being done.
P It is important to be relaxed and warm during an ECG recording because any movement, including shivering, can alter the results.
P Sometimes this test is done while you are exercising or under light stress to look for changes in the heart. This type of ECG is often called a stress test.

T How to Prepare for the Test
P Make sure your provider knows about all the medicines you are taking. Some drugs can interfere with test results.
P DO NOT exercise or drink cold water immediately before an ECG because these actions may cause false results.

T How the Test will Feel
P An ECG is painless. No electricity is sent through the body. The electrodes may feel cold when first applied. In rare cases, some people may develop a rash or irritation where the patches were placed.

T Why the Test is Performed
P An ECG is used to measure:
- Any damage to the heart
- How fast your heart is beating and whether it is beating normally
- The effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemaker)
- The size and position of your heart chambers
P An ECG is often the first test done to determine whether a person has heart disease. Your provider may order this test if:
- You have chest pain or palpitations
- You are scheduled for surgery
- You have had heart problems in the past
- You have a strong history of heart disease in the family

T Normal Results
P Normal test results include:
- Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
- Heart rhythm: Consistent and even

T What Abnormal Results Mean
P Abnormal ECG results may be a sign of:
- Damage or changes to the heart muscle
- Changes in the amount of the electrolytes (such as potassium and calcium) in the blood
- Congenital heart defect
- Enlargement of the heart
- Fluid or swelling in the sac around the heart
- Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
- Past or current heart attack
- Poor blood supply to the heart arteries
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
P Some heart problems that can lead to changes on an ECG test include:
- Atrial fibrillation/flutter
- Heart failure
- Multifocal atrial tachycardia
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

T Risks
P There are no risks.

T Considerations
P The accuracy of the ECG depends on the condition being tested. A heart problem may not always show up on the ECG. Some heart conditions never produce any specific ECG changes.

T Alternative Names
P ECG; EKG

T Images
- ECG
- Atrioventricular block, ECG tracing
- High blood pressure tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- ECG electrode placement

T References
P Ganz L. Electrocardiography. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 54.
P Mirvis DM, Goldberger AL. Electrocardiography. In: Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 12.

T Review Date 5/5/2016
P Updated by: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

