What is an EKG, and what does it tell you about my heart?
An EKG, also called an ECG, which stands for electrocardiogram, is a simple, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart.
Your heart beats because of electrical signals that travel through it, telling it when to contract and relax. An EKG uses small sticky electrodes placed on your skin, usually on your chest, arms, and legs to detect these signals. The results are shown as a series of waves on a graph.
What can an EKG tell you about your heart?
Heart rhythm: It can show if your heartbeat is regular, too fast, too slow, or irregular (arrhythmia).
Heart size and position: Abnormalities might suggest parts of the heart are enlarged or shifted.
Heart attacks: It can detect signs of a current or previous heart attack, or areas of the heart that aren’t getting enough oxygen.
Other issues: Sometimes, it can pick up problems like electrolyte imbalances or the effects of certain medications.
What it can’t do:
An EKG is a significant first step but can’t catch every heart problem, especially if symptoms come and go. Sometimes, further testing (like an echocardiogram or stress test) is needed for a full picture.
If your doctor suggests an EKG, it’s usually quick, painless, and provides valuable information about how your heart is working right now.
Your heart beats because of electrical signals that travel through it, telling it when to contract and relax. An EKG uses small sticky electrodes placed on your skin, usually on your chest, arms, and legs to detect these signals. The results are shown as a series of waves on a graph.
What can an EKG tell you about your heart?
Heart rhythm: It can show if your heartbeat is regular, too fast, too slow, or irregular (arrhythmia).
Heart size and position: Abnormalities might suggest parts of the heart are enlarged or shifted.
Heart attacks: It can detect signs of a current or previous heart attack, or areas of the heart that aren’t getting enough oxygen.
Other issues: Sometimes, it can pick up problems like electrolyte imbalances or the effects of certain medications.
What it can’t do:
An EKG is a significant first step but can’t catch every heart problem, especially if symptoms come and go. Sometimes, further testing (like an echocardiogram or stress test) is needed for a full picture.
If your doctor suggests an EKG, it’s usually quick, painless, and provides valuable information about how your heart is working right now.