Evaluation

Electrocardiogram

ECG chest electrodes record the heart’s electrical activity - helping detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions

The Story Behind the EKG: More Than Just a Graph

It often starts with a simple concern: a flutter in your chest, a skipped beat, or unexplained fatigue. You visit your doctor, and they recommend an ECG. But what exactly is this test—and why does it matter so much?

The electrocardiogram—commonly known as EKG or ECG—is a non-invasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity. Every beat of your heart sends an electrical signal that travels through the muscle, telling it when to contract and relax. These electrical patterns form a signature rhythm, and by capturing this rhythm, an ECG reveals a wealth of information about how your heart is working.

Whether you're being evaluated for chest pain, dizziness, or undergoing a routine cardiovascular screening, an ECG is one of the most accessible and powerful diagnostic tools we use in cardiology.

Why an ECG Matters: From Silent Signals to Life-Saving Clues

An ECG isn’t just for emergencies. It’s used to:

• Diagnose arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or bradycardia
• Detect heart attacks (myocardial infarctions)—even those that occurred silently
• Assess poor blood flow (myocardial ischemia)
• Monitor treatments, including medications or pacemakers
• Evaluate symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations
• Check for structural abnormalities like an enlarged heart or congenital defects

In many cases, it provides the first clue that something deeper may be going on. Think of it as an early-warning system that helps guide everything from lifestyle changes to life-saving interventions.

The Anatomy of an EKG: Understanding the Waves

Reading an ECG is like deciphering a language of the heart. Here's what cardiologists look at:

• P Wave: Atrial contraction (depolarization)
• QRS Complex: Ventricular contraction
• T Wave: Ventricular recovery (repolarization)
• Sinus Rhythm: A normal, steady heartbeat pattern

Abnormalities in these waves can signal arrhythmias, heart damage, or conduction blocks.

How an ECG Is Performed

The procedure is simple:

• Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
• These sticky patches detect electrical impulses and send them to a machine.
• The data is printed or displayed as a series of waves for interpretation.
• This quick, painless test is done in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and even at home with portable devices.

What Can an ECG Reveal?

Some of the most common findings include:

• Normal sinus rhythm – everything is functioning smoothly
• Atrial fibrillation or flutter – irregular or rapid heartbeats
• Heart attack (ST elevation, Q wave changes)
• Myocardial ischemia (ST depression or T wave inversion)
• Bundle branch blocks or conduction delays
• Electrolyte imbalances (such as potassium or calcium disturbances)
• Heart enlargement or hypertrophy

Not every abnormal ECG means something life-threatening—but it always gives us a clearer picture of your heart’s condition.

Risks and Limitations

While the ECG is safe and widely used, it’s important to know:

• It offers only a snapshot of your heart at one point in time
• False positives or negatives may occur, especially for intermittent issues
• It should be interpreted in conjunction with your symptoms, history, and additional tests like echocardiograms or cardiac imaging

Preparing for an ECG

• Avoid lotions or creams that may interfere with electrode contact
• Wear a two-piece outfit for easy access to your chest
• Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking

Your test results will be reviewed by our cardiologist. If abnormalities are found, we may recommend further evaluation or treatment.

ECG in Preventive Heart Care

The American Heart Association recognizes the ECG as a vital part of preventive cardiology. Regular monitoring in high-risk patients—those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or family history of heart disease—can catch problems before symptoms even arise.