Electrocardiogram (EKG) Test
Reviewed
Also called: ECG, EKG, electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (EKG) test is a simple, painless, and quick test that records your heart's electrical activity. Each time your heart beats, an electrical signal travels through your heart, triggering it to pump blood. An EKG recording shows wavy lines that your provider can read to look for abnormal heart activity that may be a sign of heart disease or damage.
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
You don't need any special preparations for an EKG test.
You will lie on an exam table. A provider will place several electrodes (small sensors that stick to your skin) on your arms, legs, and chest. The provider may need to shave body hair to make sure the electrodes stay on. The electrodes are attached by wires to a computer or a special EKG machine. You will lie very still while your heart's electrical activity is recorded on a computer or printed on paper.
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, so there's no risk of electric shock.
Understanding results
Your provider will check your EKG results for a steady heartbeat and rhythm. 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. Your provider can explain what your test results mean for your heart health and treatment.
- Normal: Your heart's electrical activity appears within normal limits. Limitation: An EKG is a snapshot of your heart's activity over a very short time. It may not detect intermittent problems that come and go. Next step: No further action is needed unless you continue to have symptoms. Your provider will discuss any concerns.
- Abnormal: May indicate a heart condition such as arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, or other issues. Limitation: An abnormal EKG alone cannot diagnose a specific condition. You may need other heart health tests before your provider can make a diagnosis. Next step: Your provider will review the results and may recommend additional tests, such as an echocardiogram, stress test, or longer-term monitoring with a Holter or event monitor.
- 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 will explain your EKG results and what they mean for your heart health. If your results are abnormal, you may need additional tests such as a Holter monitor, event monitor, echocardiogram, or stress test. Follow your provider's recommendations for any follow-up care.
- 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
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Electrocardiogram (EKG) Test