Electrocardiogram (EKG) Test
Reviewed
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.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for an EKG test.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Electrocardiogram (EKG) Test