Overview
ECG stands for electrocardiogram, and EKG is another name for the same test. It shows the timing and pattern of the heart’s electrical activity using sensors placed on the chest, arms, and legs. The test does not send electricity into the body. It is often used to check symptoms, monitor known heart conditions, or assess heart health before certain treatments or procedures.
Key Symptoms
A healthcare professional may order an ECG if a person has chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue. It may also be used when there is concern about a very fast, very slow, or irregular heartbeat. In emergencies, an ECG can help rapidly assess possible heart-related causes of symptoms.
Who Is Affected
People of all ages may have an ECG, including children, adults, pregnant people, and older adults. It is commonly used in people with symptoms, people with known heart disease, and people taking medicines that may affect heart rhythm. Athletes and people having surgery or other medical evaluations may also have this test.
Diagnosis and Tests
During a standard ECG, small adhesive electrodes are placed on the skin and connected to a machine that records the heart’s electrical signals. The recording usually takes only a few minutes. Sometimes a single ECG may appear normal even if symptoms happen at other times, so a clinician may consider repeat testing or longer-term heart rhythm monitoring. ECG results are interpreted together with symptoms, examination findings, and other tests.
Living With It
Having an ECG does not by itself mean that a person has heart disease. It is one piece of information that helps guide next steps. If you have had an abnormal ECG, ask what it may mean, whether more testing is needed, and what symptoms should prompt urgent review. Keep a list of your medicines and mention any episodes of fainting, racing heartbeat, or chest discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you have ongoing palpitations, repeated dizziness, fainting, unexplained shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. Medical review is also important if you were told you had an abnormal ECG and do not understand the result or next steps. If symptoms are new, worsening, or happening more often, do not delay getting assessed.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get emergency help right away for chest pain or pressure, severe trouble breathing, fainting, sudden weakness, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat with feeling unwell. Emergency assessment is also important if symptoms suggest a possible heart attack or stroke. In these situations, an ECG may be done quickly as part of urgent care, but it should not delay calling local emergency services.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask: Why am I having this ECG? What did the result show? Do I need more tests, such as longer heart monitoring or imaging? What symptoms mean I should seek urgent or emergency care?