Echocardiogram – ECG
An electrocardiogram, also called an EKG or ECG, is a simple, quick, noninvasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity. With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top of the heart to the bottom. As it travels, the signal causes the heart to contract and pump blood. The process repeats with each new heartbeat. An ECG can help determine if you have had an old heart attack or diagnose your palpitations amongst many other things.
An ECG shows:
- How fast your heart is beating
- Whether the rhythm of your heartbeat is steady or irregular
- If ongoing or old damage is present
It is especially helpful to have a baseline ECG to use for comparison at anytime in the future.