ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

An electrocardiogram (also known as an “ECG” or an EKG) is a routine test used to record the heart’s electrical activity. This test can help a cardiologist—a doctor who specializes in the heart—identify any abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm.

During the test, a technician will place small disks or electrodes on the patient’s chest. These electrodes are attached to wires, called leads, connected to the electrocardiogram machine that will trace the path of electrical energy through the heart and provide a print-out for the cardiologist to review.

The procedure is painless and takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.