An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. An ECG monitor is a machine that displays this information on a screen. The test is also called an EKG or a cardiac stress test.
The electrical activity of your heart is generated by the heart muscle’s contractions. This activity is transmitted through the heart’s electrical system to the surface of the skin. The ECG monitor records these electrical signals and produces a tracing on the screen. The tracing is a graph that shows the electrical activity of your heart.
The ECG monitor can be used to diagnose heart conditions, such as heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, and heart blockages. The test can also be used to check the effects of certain heart medications.
The ECG monitor is a painless test. You will be asked to lie down on a table. The technician will attach electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected to the ECG monitor. The test usually takes about 10 minutes.
After the test, the technician will remove the electrodes and you will be able to get up from the table.
The ECG tracing will be read by a doctor. The doctor will look for abnormalities in the tracing. The doctor may also order other tests, such as a stress test, to further evaluate your heart.