Electrocardiogram (EKG) Test
Reviewed
Also called: ECG, EKG, electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (EKG) test is a simple, painless, and quick test that records the electrical signals your heart makes when it beats.
Specimen: Not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- You have symptoms of a heart condition, such as chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or decreased ability to exercise
- To find out if you had a past heart attack that you didn't know about
- To monitor your heart if you have a known heart condition or to check how well treatment (including medicine or a pacemaker) is working
- To check your heart health before surgery or if you have an increased risk for heart disease due to family history or conditions like diabetes
Preparation and collection
Some medicines can affect the accuracy of your results. You may need to stop taking certain medicines or supplements before this test, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. You don't need any other special preparations for an EKG test.
An EKG test only takes a few minutes. A provider will place several electrodes (small sensors that stick to your skin) on your arms, legs, and chest. You will lie very still while your heart's electrical activity is recorded on a computer or printed on paper by an EKG machine.
There is very little risk to having an EKG. You may feel a little discomfort or skin irritation after the electrodes are removed. The EKG doesn't send any electricity to your body. It only records electrical signals from your heart.
Understanding results
Your provider will check your EKG results for a steady heartbeat and rhythm.
- Abnormal EKG: If your results are not normal, it may be a sign of a heart condition. The specific condition depends on which part of your EKG wasn't normal. Limitation: Some medicines can affect the accuracy of your results. Next step: You may need to have other heart health tests before your provider can make a diagnosis.
- Normal EKG but symptoms that come and go: If you have heart symptoms that come and go, a regular EKG may not catch the problem. Limitation: An EKG is a "snapshot" of your heart's activity over a very short time. Next step: In that case, your provider may recommend that you wear a small portable EKG monitor that can record your heart for days or longer while you do your normal activities.
- An EKG only records heart activity for a few minutes; it may miss intermittent heart problems that come and go.
- An abnormal EKG does not provide a definitive diagnosis; further testing is often needed.
- Skin irritation or discomfort may occur where electrodes were placed.
What to do next
Your provider can explain what your test results mean for your heart health and treatment.
- What do my EKG results mean?
- Do I need any follow-up tests based on my results?
- How long does the test take and when will I get results?
- Are there any risks or side effects from the electrodes?
- Will I need to wear a portable heart monitor at home?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Electrocardiogram (EKG) Test