Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An EKG is a painless and quick procedure that shows your heart's electrical activity.

Each time your heartbeats, it generates tiny electrical signals. The instrument we are using is a cardiograph, and it takes a picture of these tiny electrical signals. That's why we'll connect wires to you. This test won't hurt or shock you in any way. You won't feel anything while we are taking the picture.   

We connect small tab electrodes on various areas on your chest. We will need to remove the clothing from these areas. The electrodes are normally applied to the shoulder and to the lower rib cage.

The electrocardiogram is of particular value in diagnosing and monitoring a broad range of conditions, including: arterial and ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, pericarditis, systematic disease that affect the heart, the effects of cardiac drugs, disturbance in electrolyte metabolism, (especially potassium abnormalities), and providing a preoperative baseline electrocardiogram.