Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What is it?
An ECG or electrocardiogram is a recording of your heart beat. It is the most common test performed to help your doctor decide on, or in many cases eliminate, a possible heart problem. It is a straight forward test that will cause you no pain whatsoever and has no side effects.
Why is it done?
ECGs are performed for many reasons. Your doctor may already have told you why they would like you to have an ECG recorded. Listed below are five most common reasons for recording an electrocardiogram.
- To help diagnose the cause of chest pain
- To know more about the heart rhythm
- To examine a heart murmur
- To examine high blood pressure
- For reassurance
In Lanarkshire’s hospitals an ECG is routinely performed prior to theatre.
How is it done?
The technician will ask you to undress from the waist up and to lie down on the couch provided. Your skin will be abraded to ensure a good contact with the electrode. Electrodes are positioned on the chest, wrists and ankles and a recording is made. This reflects what is happening in different areas of the heart and may show up an abnormality. If you have any questions please ask the technician, they will be happy to help you.
How does it work?
In basic terms the heart beats by producing electricity. This electricity travels through the heart in a special way. Eventually having travelled through the heart and all the muscles and tissues in the body it arrives on the surface of the skin. It is from the skin that we are able to pick up this electricity and by using a cardiograph machine record it on paper. The cardiograph machine is a sensitive voltmeter recording electrical changes from the heart.