Electrocardiogram (EKG)

What is an electrocardiogram?

An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. With each beat, an electrical wave travels through the heart. This wave causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. A normal heartbeat on an EKG will show the rate and rhythm of the contractions in the upper and lower chambers.

EKG strip showing a normal heartbeat

Why is it done?

An EKG is used to help diagnose and monitor many heart conditions including:

• Arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart defects
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease

An EKG can show:

• How fast your heart beats
• If your heartbeat is steady or irregular
• The strength and timing of electrical signals in each part of your heart

Does it hurt?

There’s no pain or risk associated with having an EKG. The test requires small stickers to be placed on the chest. There may be some minor discomfort when the stickers are remo

Is it harmful?

No. The machine only records the electrical activity of the heart. It doesn’t send electricity into the body.