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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Tests & Exams > ECG

ECG

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Why is the Test Performed?

How is the Test Performed?

How to Prepare for the Test?

How will the Test Feel?

Normal Values

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Special Considerations

Risks

Pictures & Images

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Alternate Names : EKG, Electrocardiogram


Definition

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker). See also stress test and Holter monitor (24h).

Pictures & Images

ECG
ECG

Atrioventricular Block, EKG Tracing
Atrioventricular Block, EKG Tracing

High Blood Pressure Tests
High Blood Pressure Tests

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)

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Why is the Test Performed?

An ECG is very useful in determining whether a person has heart disease. If a person has chest pain or palpitations, an ECG is helpful in determining if the heart is beating normally. If a person is on medications that may affect the heart or if the patient is on a pacemaker, an ECG can readily determine the immediate effects of changes in activity or medication levels. An ECG may be included as part of a routine examination in patients over 40 years old.

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Definition
Why is the Test Performed?
How is the Test Performed?
How to Prepare for the Test?
How will the Test Feel?
Normal Values
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Special Considerations
Risks
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Angina - Stable
Anorexia Nervosa
Aortic Dissection
Aortic Insufficiency
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter
Atrial Myxoma - Left
Atrial Myxoma - Right
Atrial Septal Defect
Cardiac Tamponade
Coarctation of the Aorta
Coronary Artery Spasm
Delirium Tremens
Digitalis Toxicity
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus
Ectopic Heartbeat
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Heart Attack
Heart Disease
Heart Failure
Hyperaldosteronism - Primary and Secondary
Hyperkalemia
Hypertensive Heart Disease
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis
Hypoparathyroidism
Infectious Endocarditis
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Left-Sided Heart Failure
Lyme Disease - Secondary
Mitral Regurgitation - Acute
Mitral Regurgitation - Chronic
Mitral Stenosis
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia
Myocarditis
Narcolepsy
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Pericarditis
Pericarditis - After Heart Attack
Pericarditis - Bacterial
Pericarditis - Constrictive
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Primary Amyloidosis
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary Embolus
Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Right-Sided Heart Failure
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Stroke
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Tetralogy of Fallot
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Transposition of the Great Vessels
Tricuspid Regurgitation
Type 2 Diabetes
Unstable Angina
Ventricular Septal Defect
Ventricular Tachycardia
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Tests & Exams

Exercise Stress Test
Holter Monitor (24h)
Pulse

Other Topics

Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
Chest Pain
Electrolytes
Heartbeat Sensations
Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
Pulse - Bounding
Rashes
School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
Sleeping Difficulty
Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation

Review Date : 11/2/2002
Reviewed By : Qarab Syed, M.D., FACC, Cardiology Department, VAMC, Beckley, WV. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Page Last Updated: 18 May, 2008