Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity.
Sensors attached to the skin are used todetect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats.
These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked atby a doctor to see if they're unusual.
An ECGmay be requested by a heart specialist (cardiologist) or any doctor who thinks you might have a problem with your heart, including your GP.
The test will usually be carried out at a hospital or clinic by a trained specialist called a cardiac physiologist,although it can sometimes be done at your GP surgery.
Despite having asimilar name, an ECG isn't the same as an echocardiogram, which is a scan of the heart.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 24 Nov 2016
Introduction
Read about electrocardiograms (ECGs), including why they're done, what happens and what the potential risks are.
Whenan ECG is used
An ECG is often used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the heart.It can be used to investigate symptoms of a possible heart problem, such as chest pain, suddenly
Howan ECG iscarried out
There are several different ways an ECG can be carried out. Generally, the testinvolves attaching a number of small, stickysensors called electrodes to your arms, legs and chest. These are connected b
Types of ECG
There are three main types of ECG: a resting ECGcarried outwhile you're lying down in a comfortable position a stress or exercise ECGcarried outwhile you're using an exercise bike or treadmill an am
Getting your results
An ECG recording machine will usually show your heart rhythm and electrical activity as a graph displayed electronically or printed on to paper. For an ambulatory ECG, the ECG machine will store the i
Are there any risks or side effects?
An ECG is a quick, safe andpainless test. No electricity is put into your body while it's carried out.There may be someslight discomfort when the electrodes are removed from your skin similar to remov
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