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Medical tests. Home Medical tests. ECG test. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About ECG test An electrocardiogram ECG is a medical test that detects cardiac heart abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. They may also recommend an ECG if a person is experiencing symptoms such as: chest pain shortness of breath dizziness fainting, or fast or irregular heartbeats palpitations.
No movement is allowed during the test, as electrical impulses generated by other muscles may interfere with those generated by your heart. You are free to move around normally while the monitor is attached. This type of ECG is used for people whose symptoms are intermittent stop-start and may not show up on a resting ECG, and for people recovering from heart attack to ensure that their heart is functioning properly.
You record your symptoms in a diary, and note when they occur so that your own experience can be compared with the ECG exercise stress test EST — this test is used to record your ECG while you ride on an exercise bike or walk on a treadmill.
This type of ECG takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Immediately after an ECG procedure When the procedure is completed, the electrodes are removed. Other tests for heart problems Other tests that help diagnose heart problems include: physical examination listening to heart sounds chest x-rays echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart magnetic resonance imaging MRI or computerised tomography CT scans of the chest blood tests cardiac catheterisation insertion of a catheter through the blood vessels of the groin or wrist into the heart.
It provides information about your heart rate and rhythm, and shows if there is enlargement of the heart due to high blood pressure hypertension or evidence of a previous heart attack myocardial infarction. However, it does not show whether you have asymptomatic blockages in your heart arteries or predict your risk of a future heart attack.
You may need an ECG test if you have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, or symptoms such as palpitations or chest pain. Or you may need it if you already have heart disease. But in other cases, you may think twice about having this test.
The test is not useful in routine checkups for people who do not have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure or symptoms of heart disease, like chest pain. Yet, many people with no risk factors or symptoms have an ECG as part of their routine checkups.
There are better ways to prevent heart disease than routine ECGs. The ECG will not harm you. However, it can sometimes show mild nonspecific abnormalities that are not due to underlying heart disease, but cause worry and lead to follow-up tests and treatments that you do not need.
In some cases, it can be important to get this test. Your doctor may give you other instructions after the test, depending on your particular situation. If you have a new or existing heart problem, it's vital to see a doctor. Our heart health checklist can help you determine when to seek care. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. Why might I need an electrocardiogram? Some reasons for your doctor to request an electrocardiogram ECG include:. To look for the cause of chest pain To evaluate problems which may be heart-related, such as severe tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting To identify irregular heartbeats To help determine the overall health of the heart before procedures such as surgery; or after treatment for conditions such as a heart attack myocardial infarction, or MI , endocarditis inflammation or infection of one or more of the heart valves ; or after heart surgery or cardiac catheterization To see how an implanted pacemaker is working To determine how well certain heart medicines are working To get a baseline tracing of the heart's function during a physical exam; this may be used as a comparison with future ECGs, to determine if there have been any changes There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend an ECG.
What are the risks of an electrocardiogram? These include, but are not limited to: Obesity Pregnancy Fluid buildup in the abdomen ascites Anatomical considerations, such as the size of the chest and the location of the heart within the chest Movement during the test Exercise or smoking before the test Certain medicines Electrolyte imbalances, such as too much or too little potassium, magnesium, or calcium in the blood How do I get ready for an electrocardiogram?
Your doctor or the technician will explain the test to you and let you ask questions. Generally, fasting not eating is not required before the test. Tell your doctor of all medicines prescribed and over-the-counter , vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking. Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation. What happens during an electrocardiogram? Generally, an ECG follows this process: You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the test.
You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up.
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