An Electrocardiogram or ECG or EKG is a usual medical test that captures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. A highly informative test for the diagnosis of numerous diseases of the heart ranging from arrhythmias, heart attack, and other cardiovascular disease, the test is easy, speedy, risk-free, and yields useful information about the rhythm and the performance of the heart.

Whether it is a regular check-up or an out-of-the-blue diagnosis, ECGs are a godsend for heart centers. Understanding the procedure of ECG, how ECG works, how to interpret the result, and ECG interpretation of results can ensure that patients are confident to become more aware and prepared.

What is an ECG Test?

An Electrocardiogram or ECG is a medical test that records the electrical activity your heart makes every time it beats. It is utilised to observe the health of the heart, diagnose, and also assess the efficacy of treatments. The test penetrates through on the body surface electrical currents which are converted into waveforms. Those are handwriting out the time and size of those heart rhythm monitoring. Physicians interpret the forms as a diagnosis of the majority of cardiovascular diseases. ECGs are the first choice because they are quick, clinical, and immediate feedback.

There are several types of ECG tests including resting ECG vs stress ECG:
  • Resting ECG: Resting flat.
  • Stress ECG (Exercise ECG): Exercise, usually on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.
  • Holter Monitor: 24–48 hour ambulatory ECG recorder you wear to record unusual symptoms.
  • Event Monitor: Like a Holter but for extended periods and triggered by symptoms.

Why Is the ECG Test Done?

ECG test purpose for physicians is for some other indications. They are used most frequently in the following scenario when the patients come with the following symptoms:

Such presentations can be caused by some cardiac disease, and ECG for heart disease is utilized to diagnose it. It is also utilized:

  • During physical examination
  • Preoperatively
  • For monitoring the effect of drugs
  • Follow-up treatment of diagnosed cardiac disease
Some of the more common diseases diagnosed with ECG are:

  • Arrhythmias (irregular heart rate)
  • Heart attacks (myocardial infarction)
  • Ischemia (insufficient blood supply)
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
  • Pericarditis (heart cover inflammation, which surrounds the heart)

How to Prepare for an ECG Test?

ECG test preparation is minimal, but care will lead to good results:

Precautions:

Tell your physician if you are on any medication, particularly heart or blood pressure medication.
Notify them if you have pacemaker implants or other devices.

What to Wear:

Casually dress in a two-piece dress so that the chest area won't need to be closed.
Do not apply body lotions, oils, or powder on test day because they slow down the electrode application.

Medications:

Take your usual medication in most instances but always check with your doctor first.

Detail Information about ECG Test Procedure

ECG test procedure is fast and simple, and it's normally performed in a medical office, clinic, or hospital. Here's what they do:

Step-by-step

  • You will be required to lie down on a examination table.
  • A technician will put 10 to 12 strips of adhesive on your chest, arms, and legs.
  • The electrodes are attached to the ECG machine with lead wires.
  • You will need to hold still and breathe naturally as the machine works.
  • The test itself only lasts for 5 to 10 minutes.
The machine traces your heart's electrical activity and maps onto a chart a number of waveforms, such as the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave. Each of these provide information on the heart's electrical activity.

Is ECG Painful

No. The test is not uncomfortable. You may have some chill from the electrode gel or discomfort if sticky strips are ripped off, particularly if your skin is hairy.


What to Expect After the ECG Test?


After the test:

  • The electrodes will be removed.
  • There is no down time.
  • You can resume usual activities immediately.

ECG side effects:

Extremely minor and uncommon, such as redness or skin irritation from adhesive pads.
If ECG is performed for chronic symptoms, your doctor may order other tests based on ECG results. Otherwise, a visit to cardiology is advised.

Learning Reading Out ECG Test Results

ECG graph is chart shape of electricity activity of your heart. Each portion of the waveform represents different phases of heartbeats.

Normal ECG:

  • 60 to 100 beats per minute
  • Normal rhythm
  • Repeated and regular wave forms

Abnormal ECG results Can Reveal

  • Arrhythmias: Abnormal rhythm like atrial fibrillation
  • Past history of heart attacks or chronic myocardial infarction
  • Ischemia or decreased oxygen to the heart muscle
  • Hypertrophy of the heart
  • Drug or electrolyte imbalance
  • Abnormal conduction or conduction blocks

Follow-Up:

  • Based on the outcome, your physician might order:
  • Further imaging tests like echocardiograms
  • Ongoing monitoring with Holter monitors
  • Blood work
  • Medication or treatment adjustment

Conditions Identified by the ECG Test

Most heart disorder conditions are diagnosed by an ECG, including:

  • Atrial or ventricular arrhythmias
  • Heart block (electrical conduction disorders)
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Congenital heart anomalies
  • Electrolyte imbalance (e.g., calcium, potassium imbalance)
  • Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
It also is used to screen for chronic disease, for the evaluation of heart damage after a heart attack, and for recovery from surgery.

ECG vs. EKG Are They One and the Same?

Yes. Both ECG vs EKG are the same test. "ECG" is an abbreviation English for Electrocardiogram, while "EKG" is based on the German title "Elektrokardiogramm."

When May Both Be Used?

Both are occasionally utilised for medical tests or reports, but to the same test. Physicians use "EKG" merely because it will not confuse them with EEG, a brain wave test.

ECG Test Price in Pakistan

The ECG Price is extremely low and affordable in Pakistan.
Estimated Cost Range:

  • Government centres: PKR 300-PKR 800
  • Private clinics: PKR 800-PKR 2,000
It would be priced based on city, facility type, and add-on in consultation fee or health package or not. It can be slightly more at the top of the big hospitals or cardiac care units if segmentation is also applied.

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