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Electrocardiogram
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a quick, painless test that records the heart's electrical activity to help diagnose and monitor various heart conditions.

What is an electrocardiogram (EKG) test?

An electrocardiogram (EKG) test is a simple, painless, and quick test that records your heart's electrical activity. Each time your heart beats, an electrical signal travels through your heart, triggering the four chambers to contract in the proper rhythm to pump blood. The recording of these signals appears as wavy lines, which providers use to identify signs of heart disease or damage.

An EKG can show:

  • How fast your heart is beating
  • Whether the rhythm of your heartbeat is steady or irregular
  • The strength and timing of the electrical signals passing through each part of your heart

Information from an EKG can also help measure the size and position of your heart's chambers. It is often the first test performed if you have signs of a heart condition and may be conducted in a provider's office, clinic, hospital, or as part of a stress test. The test is also known as an ECG.

What is it used for?

EKG tests are used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions, including:

  • Arrhythmia
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Heart valve diseases
  • Congenital heart defects

These tests are generally reserved for people with symptoms or those at increased risk for heart disease, rather than for routine screening.

Why do I need an EKG test?

You may need an EKG if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • A decrease in your ability to exercise

Additionally, an EKG may be used to monitor known heart conditions, check the efficacy of treatments like pacemakers, or assess heart health before surgery or if you have a family history of heart disease or conditions like diabetes.

What happens during an EKG test?

The test takes only a few minutes and involves the following steps:

  • You will lie on an exam table.
  • A provider will place several electrodes (small sensors) on your arms, legs, and chest; body hair may be shaved to ensure they stick properly.
  • The electrodes are attached by wires to an EKG machine or computer.
  • You must lie very still while the electrical activity is recorded.

Risks and Preparation

There are no special preparations required for an EKG. The test carries very little risk; it does not send electricity into your body, though you may experience minor skin irritation after the electrodes are removed.

Understanding Results

If your results are not normal, it may indicate a heart condition. Because an EKG is a "snapshot" of activity, your provider may recommend long-term monitoring if symptoms are intermittent. These include Holter monitors (worn for up to two days) or event monitors (which can record for weeks, months, or years, including implantable versions placed under the skin).

Frequently Asked Questions

n irregular rhythm may indicate atrial fibrillation, premature beats, or other arrhythmias. Your provider may order a Holter monitor (24‑hour continuous EKG), an event recorder, or an echocardiogram to assess structure. Treatment can range from lifestyle changes and medication to procedures like cardioversion or ablation, depending on the type and severity of the rhythm disturbance.
During a stress test EKG, you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while your heart rate increases. The EKG records electrical activity at rest and during exertion, allowing the clinician to see how your heart responds to stress. A resting EKG only captures the heart’s activity at a single, calm moment.
For most people with well‑controlled hypertension on beta blockers, a routine EKG every 1–2 years is usually sufficient unless new symptoms arise. Your doctor may adjust the interval based on blood pressure control, medication changes, or emerging symptoms such as palpitations or chest discomfort.
If you have a strong family history of heart disease, especially early heart attacks or sudden cardiac death, your doctor may recommend a baseline EKG to screen for silent arrhythmias or conduction problems. Even without symptoms, a normal EKG can give you peace of mind and a reference point for future tests.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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