Electrocardiography (ECG) is the recording of the heart’s electrical activity using electrodes. It allows the assessment of:
heart rhythm and heart rate
disturbances in blood supply to the heart muscle (myocardial ischemia)
myocardial infarction (acute heart attack, previous heart attack)
overload and enlargement of the heart chambers
ECG may need to be performed at short intervals, as changes can develop rapidly in acute conditions affecting heart function (for example, myocardial infarction). Previously performed ECGs should, if possible, be kept and taken along to a doctor’s appointment or to the hospital. This can be of great help in an emergency situation.
The examination lasts 5–10 minutes.
During the examination, electrodes are placed on the bare chest, arms, and legs. The patient is asked to lie still and quietly while the ECG is being recorded. If the patient’s chest is hairy, partial shaving may be necessary to ensure proper electrode placement and good-quality imaging.