Ask your doctor if this is an option for you. An electrocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive way to help diagnose many common heart problems in people of all ages. Your doctor may use an electrocardiogram to determine or detect:.
You may need an ECG if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:. The American Heart Association doesn't recommend using electrocardiograms to assess adults at low risk who don't have symptoms. But if you have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may suggest an electrocardiogram as a screening test, even if you have no symptoms. If your symptoms tend to come and go, they may not be captured during a standard ECG recording.
In this case your doctor may recommend remote or continuous ECG monitoring. There are several different types. An electrocardiogram is a safe procedure. There is no risk of electrical shock during the test because the electrodes used do not produce electricity.
The electrodes only record the electrical activity of your heart. You may have minor discomfort, similar to removing a bandage, when the electrodes are removed. Some people develop a slight rash where the patches were placed. No special preparations are necessary for a standard electrocardiogram. Tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take. These can often affect the results of your test.
An electrocardiogram can be done in a doctor's office or hospital and is often done by a nurse or technician. 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. An ECG is completely painless and non-invasive, as the skin is not penetrated. The doctor can interpret the results of your ECG straight away based on your medical history, symptoms and clinical examination. The ECG is a safe procedure with no known risks.
It does not send electric current to the body. Some people may be allergic or sensitive to the electrodes, which can cause local skin reddening. After an ECG you can resume normal activities immediately. A person with heart disease may have a normal ECG result if the condition does not cause a disturbance in the electrical activity of the heart.
Other diagnostic methods may be recommended if heart disease is suspected. Back to Health A to Z. An electrocardiogram ECG is a simple test that can be used to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity.
Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they're unusual. An ECG may be requested by a heart specialist cardiologist or any doctor who thinks you might have a problem with your heart, including your GP. The test can be carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional at a hospital, a clinic or at your GP surgery.
Despite having a similar name, an ECG isn't the same as an echocardiogram , which is a scan of the heart. An ECG is often used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the heart. Step by Step through Stroke — our patient information booklet. Step by Step through Heart Medicines — our patient information booklet. Step by Step through Inherited Heart Disease — our patient information booklet. Step by Step through Heart Failure — our patient information booklet. Angina — our guide from symptoms to treatment.
AF and You — our information booklet for people living with Atrial Fibrillation. ECG — Why is it done? ECG — What are the Risks? ECG — How is it Done?
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