Electrocardiogram

Definition:

The ECG is a device used to record on graph paper the electrical activity of the heart. The picture is drawn by a computer from information supplied by the electrodes.

Your doctor uses the ECG to:

• assess your heart rhythm
• diagnose poor blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia)
• diagnose a heart attack
• diagnose abnormalities of your heart, such as:
• heart chamber enlargement
• abnormal electrical conduction

To prepare:

• Avoid oily or greasy skin creams and lotions the day of the test. They interfere with the electrode-skin contact
• Avoid full-length hosiery, as electrodes need to be placed directly on the legs.
• Wear a shirt that can be easily removed to place the leads on the chest.

What to expect:

During a resting ECG, a technician will attach 10 electrodes with adhesive pads to the skin of your chest, arms and legs. Men may have chest hair shaved to allow a better connection. You will lie flat while the computer creates a picture, on graph paper, of the electrical impulses travelling through your heart.

It takes about 10 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds.

Your ECG patterns will be kept on file for comparison with future ECG recordings.

If you have questions, ask your doctor.