ECG (EKG)
Heart · N/A
Available at 0 labs
No lab currently offers this test.
About this test
What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non‑invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It shows how fast the heart beats and whether the electrical signals travel through the heart normally.
Key parameters measured
| Parameter | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Heart rate | Beats per minute |
| Rhythm | Regular or irregular beats |
| P wave | Atrial depolarisation |
| QRS complex | Ventricular depolarisation |
| ST segment | Ischemia or injury |
| T wave | Ventricular repolarisation |
Why it is done
- Routine check‑up for people with risk factors (age, family history, hypertension, diabetes, smoking)
- Evaluation of symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fainting
- Monitoring of known heart conditions (arrhythmias, heart failure, valve disease, post‑myocardial infarction)
Early detection
An ECG can help identify signs of arrhythmias, conduction blocks, or ischemic changes, but it does not diagnose a disease on its own. A doctor interprets the result with symptoms, history, and other tests.
What abnormal results may indicate
- A high or low heart rate can signal tachycardia or bradycardia
- Irregular rhythm may suggest atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
- ST‑segment changes can indicate myocardial ischemia or infarction
- Prolonged QT interval may point to electrolyte imbalance or drug effect
Many factors—hydration, caffeine, medications, stress—can influence the reading.
Who might be advised to get an ECG
- Adults over 40 with cardiovascular risk factors
- Anyone experiencing chest pain, palpitations, fainting, or shortness of breath
- Patients on medications that affect heart rhythm
- Individuals with a history of heart disease or undergoing cardiac surgery
In short: an ECG is a quick, painless snapshot of your heart’s electrical function, useful for spotting potential problems early.
Used for detecting / monitoring
Before your test
Preparation
- Fasting: No fasting required for an ECG.
- If combined with fasting tests: Follow the longest fasting period required by any test in the panel.
- Procedure: Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs. The test takes about 5–10 minutes and is painless.
- Precautions: Avoid heavy exercise, caffeine, and nicotine 24 hrs before the test if you have a history of arrhythmia. Inform the technician about any medications you are taking.
- After the test: You can resume normal activities immediately.
Please confirm specific preparation instructions with your doctor or the lab. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sample type: N/A
Report parameter guide
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
A test that records the electrical activity of the heart to assess rhythm, conduction, and heart structure.
Low: A low or abnormal ECG reading can indicate arrhythmias, conduction blocks, or other electrical disturbances in the heart.
High: A high or abnormal ECG reading can indicate arrhythmias, conduction blocks, or other electrical disturbances in the heart.