Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Cardiologist · Cardiology / Heart disease
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity of your heart. It's usually done in order to diagnose heart conditions, such as arrhythmia, certain types of cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and other heart problems.
An ECG records the rate and regularity of the heartbeat, as well as any abnormal changes in rhythm. Each beat is represented by a waveform on an ECG trace – they are made up of P waves (the depolarisation wave), QRS complex (the repolarisation wave) and T waves. The overall pattern can tell us whether there’s any stiffness or blockage present in the chambers that make up your heart.
The most common way to perform an ECG is through sensors placed on the chest which measure small electric signals generated when your heart cells depolarise during each beat; this information is then used to create a graph called an electrocardiograph tracing - hence its name! An alternative method involves electrodes being attached directly onto your skin for more detailed readings; this type is often used when diagnosing cardiac problems involving extremely slow rhythms or irregular patterns like atrial fibrillation.
Finally, some portable models allow you to take home with you so that doctors can track changes over time from afar – these are particularly useful for those whose lifestyle puts them at risk for sudden cardiac events such as competitive athletes!
