ECG Testing Procedure

An ECG or an electrocardiogram is a test that monitors the electrical activity of the heart. These electrical impulses are then represented in a printout format on special graph paper for doctors to interpret for any underlying cardiac problems.

A normal healthy person's heart will have an ECG that has regular waves and shapes. Irregular heart rhythms or damage to the heart muscle show up in ECG reports. An ECG report can confirm if you have had a heart attack in the past or are currently having one.

The ECG test itself is a painless and safe procedure. No prior preparation is necessary. You may eat or drink before the test. However, since the test is done when the patient is at rest, the latter should avoid exercising or partake in any kind of activity that elevates the heart rate.

Furthermore, you should advise the doctor about any medications you may be taking. If you are allergic to the adhesive tapes used in the ECG test procedure, inform the doctor.

The ECG can be performed in a clinic or in a hospital.
1 You will be required to lie on a bed or a table

2. The patient will be required to strip to the waist.

3. The areas of the skin where the electrodes are attached will be cleaned

4. A special gel is applied to the skin where the electrodes will be placed Disposable electrodes are often used, so special gels may not required.

5. Electrodes will be attached to each wrist and ankle and six are placed in designated areas of the chest.

6. These electrodes are attached to the ECG which will record your heart's electrical impulses and represent them on paper

7.You will be required to lie still during the test. Moving and talking can distort test results.

8. You may experience a slight discomfort when the electrodes are removed

9. In very rare exceptional cases the skin may develop an allergy to the electrodes which could cause a slight redness of the skin.

The test may last about five to ten minutes. The doctor will examine the results in the printout. If the test results are normal, then no further tests may be needed. However, if the results are abnormal or are not conclusive, the doctor will recommend more tests such as the ECG stress test or the Treadmill test. Further investigations may include chest x-rays, Echo cardiogram or even more blood tests. The patient can continue his normal activities after the test.