1. Measure the Electricity
An electrocardiogram is commonly referred to as an EKG or ECG. It is a test that measures the electrical activity in the heart. The body has a natural electrical system that pumps the blood through the ventricles that lead to and from the heart, much like the pistons in a car. Diodes are connected to the chest and the electrical waves are transmitted to a machine that records the impulses on paper through a series of dots and lines. The up and down drawings made by the dots indicate the rate of those electrical charges.
2. Reasons for EKGs
The EKG is given for a variety of reasons. Surgeons often request the test prior to surgery so that they can determine whether your heart is strong enough to withstand the invasive procedure. The test can tell if you've had a heart attack or if the blood flow to the heart is blocked. Any unexplained chest pain is usually first diagnosed with an electrocardiogram. Fainting, dizziness and shortness of breath also can be caused by an interruption of the electrical activity to the heart.
3. You Won't Feel a Thing
The most uncomfortable part of an EKG happens when they remove the little patches that have been attached to your chest. To take the test, you simply have to lie still and allow yourself to be hooked up with a dozen or so little gooey patches that are attached to wires leading to the machine. Sometimes, they will put electrodes on your arms and legs to measure the flow of blood through your body.
4. It's Risk-Free
There are no risks or side effects from the electrocardiogram. The worst thing that might happen is that a few chest hairs may get pulled out on men. The technician even wipes the glue off before releasing you. You can't get shocked because no electricity passes to or from your body. The only thing transferred to the machine is an image of your electrical activity. You're done in about five or 10 minutes.
5. Do it Again, Sam
A doctor can generally get an accurate reading while the test is in progress, alerting her to any immediate problems. She can then decide what direction to take your treatment. The paper can be saved and sent to other doctors and is maintained in your chart. You may be asked to repeat the test if the results look screwy. Things that can interfere with a good reading are usually the result of tension. Anxiety about the results will send extra electricity pumping through to your heart, so try to relax while hooked up and hold still during the test. Movements or talking can upset the final reading.
