Ecg what is involved

The electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires. The electrical activity of the heart is then measured, interpreted, and printed out. No electricity is sent into the body. Natural electrical impulses coordinate contractions of the different parts of the heart to keep blood flowing the way it should.

An ECG records these impulses to show how fast the heart is beating, the rhythm of the heart beats steady or irregular , and the strength and timing of the electrical impulses as they move through the different parts of the heart.

Changes in an ECG can be a sign of many heart-related conditions. An electrocardiogram ECG is a quick, easy way to assess the heart's function. Risks associated with ECG are minimal and rare. You will not feel anything during the ECG, but it may be uncomfortable when the sticky electrodes are taken off.

If the electrode patches are left on too long they may cause tissue breakdown or skin irritation. There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor before the test.

Certain factors or conditions may interfere with or affect the results of the ECG. This data is then interpreted by a medical practitioner. ECGs from healthy hearts have a characteristic shape. Any irregularity in the heart rhythm or damage to the heart muscle can change the electrical activity of the heart so that the shape of the ECG is changed. A doctor may recommend an ECG for people who may be at risk of heart disease because there is a family history of heart disease, or because they smoke, are overweight, or have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

They may also recommend an ECG if a person is experiencing symptoms such as:. ECGs are often performed to monitor the health of people who have been diagnosed with heart problems, to help assess artificial cardiac pacemakers or to monitor the effects of certain medications on the heart.

There is no need to restrict food or drink before having an ECG test. Always let your doctor know what medications you are taking before you have an ECG, and if you have any allergies to adhesive tapes that may be used to attach electrodes.

When you go for an ECG test, you will need to remove your upper clothing so that electrodes can be attached to your chest and limbs. Underwire in a bra can interfere with the ECG reading — you may be asked to remove it before the test. An ECG works best when the skin is clean and dry, and free of oils and lotions. The selected sites are shaved if necessary because hair prevents the electrodes from making proper contact with the skin.

Electrodes sensors are attached to the chest, arms and legs or sticky gel. These electrodes detect the electrical currents generated by the heart — these are measured and recorded by the electrocardiograph.

When the procedure is completed, the electrodes are removed. A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart condition or taking medication known to potentially affect the heart. There are several different ways an ECG can be carried out. Generally, the test involves attaching a number of small, sticky sensors called electrodes to your arms, legs and chest. These are connected by wires to an ECG recording machine.

You don't need to do anything special to prepare for the test. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand. Before the electrodes are attached, you'll usually need to remove your upper clothing, and your chest may need to be shaved or cleaned.

Once the electrodes are in place, you may be offered a hospital gown to cover yourself. Your doctor will review the information recorded by the ECG machine and look for any problems with your heart, including:. If your doctor finds any problems on your ECG , he or she may order additional tests to see if treatment is necessary.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Electrocardiogram Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Electrocardiogram An electrocardiogram ECG or EKG records the electrical signal from your heart to check for different heart conditions. Holter monitor Implantable loop recorder: A heart monitoring device.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Electrocardiogram. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed March 27, Goldman L, et al. Approach to the patient with suspected arrhythmia. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine.