An electrocardiogram or ECG (also called an EKG) is a common, painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart and converts it into lines called "waveforms" that can be seen on a monitor or printed out on paper. The waveforms created by the ECG can be divided into time segments to measure the rate of movement of the heart's electrical impulses.
An ECG can tell if the heart is beating normally or detect heart disease or problems with the electrical conduction system of the heart. It records the rate and regularity of heartbeats, can tell the size and position of the chambers of the heart. An ECG also can record signs of damage to the heart and the effects of drugs or devices such as pacemakers and ICDs.
An ECG is a safe, commonly performed heart test that rarely causes discomfort. The patient lies down and "electrodes" at the end of wires (or leads) are attached to each arm, leg and the chest. Electrodes are sticky patches that attach to the skin, or suction cups applied with conductive paste that are easily peeled off once the procedure is completed.
