An EKG (electrocardiogram) is a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It provides important information about how your heart is functioning by measuring the speed, rhythm, and strength of the electrical signals that control your heartbeat
. Specifically, an EKG can tell you:
- How fast your heart is beating
- Whether the heartbeat rhythm is steady or irregular
- The timing and strength of electrical signals passing through different parts of the heart
- Signs of heart muscle damage or heart attacks
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Enlargement of heart chambers
- Possible blockages or poor blood flow to the heart muscle
- Electrolyte imbalances affecting the heart
Doctors use EKGs to diagnose conditions such as arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and congenital heart defects
. It is often the first test done when symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat occur
. If an EKG shows abnormalities, further tests like stress tests, echocardiograms, or coronary angiography may be recommended to better understand the heart condition and guide treatment
. In summary, an EKG provides a snapshot of your heart's electrical activity, helping detect heart problems and guide medical care.
