Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It provides important information about the heart’s rhythm and function and is used to diagnose conditions such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart problems.
An ECG is performed by attaching electrodes to the skin on the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the electrical signals produced by the heart and transmit the information to a machine that converts the signals into a tracing on a piece of paper or a computer screen. The tracing shows the electrical activity of the heart as it beats and provides information about the heart’s rhythm and any abnormalities that may be present.
ECG is a non-invasive test and is considered to be safe and painless. It provides important information that can help in the diagnosis and treatment of heart problems and is used to monitor the progress of treatment and to assess the response to medication.
It is important to note that while an ECG provides important information about the heart, it may not always detect all heart problems and may sometimes show changes that are not indicative of a heart problem. Other tests, such as echocardiography, nuclear imaging, and coronary angiography, may be necessary to provide a complete picture of the heart’s function and structure.
