A window into your heart’s health
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick and painless test used to assess your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. It can detect early signs of heart disease and is often part of routine or urgent medical evaluations.
What is an ECG?
An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a commonly used diagnostic test that records the electrical signals in your heart. Each heartbeat is triggered by an electrical impulse, and an ECG captures and displays this activity as waves.
This test is typically performed in a medical setting such as a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office and usually takes less than 10 minutes. It’s a non-invasive, safe, and highly informative way to check your heart’s health.
“Resting vs. Stress ECG: What’s the Difference?”:
A resting ECG is performed while you’re lying still. It records the heart’s electrical activity under normal, relaxed conditions. It’s useful for identifying issues like arrhythmias, prior heart attacks, or structural abnormalities.
In contrast, a stress ECG, also known as an exercise ECG or treadmill test, is done while you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike. This test monitors how your heart performs under physical exertion, helping to uncover problems like reduced blood flow to the heart that may not appear when you’re at rest. Doctors may use one or both tests depending on your symptoms, risk factors, or if they need to evaluate how your heart responds to physical activity.
Why might your doctor recommend an ECG?
There are several reasons why your healthcare provider might order an ECG. These include:
- Experiencing chest pain or discomfort.
- Having irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
- Feeling dizzy, weak, or short of breath.
- Monitoring heart health if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other risk factors.
- Evaluating how well medications or devices like pacemakers are working.
- Preoperative screenings before surgery.
An ECG helps doctors quickly identify abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm or structure that may need further investigation.
What happens during the procedure?
During an ECG, small electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. These are connected to a machine that records your heart’s electrical signals. You’ll lie down comfortably while the test is performed.
Here’s what to expect:
- No needles or injections are required.
- You may be asked to remove jewellery or clothing from the upper body.
- The test itself is painless and usually completed in a few minutes.
- You can resume normal activities immediately after.
What can an ECG detect?
An ECG can reveal several types of heart problems, including:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
- Evidence of a previous heart attack
- Abnormal heart structure (such as enlarged chambers).
- Inadequate blood and oxygen supply to the heart.
- Electrolyte imbalances.
In some cases, a single ECG may not capture occasional irregularities. Your doctor may then recommend a longer-term test, such as a Holter monitor or stress ECG, to gather more data.
When should you have an ECG?
Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, an ECG might be recommended as part of a preventive check-up, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or smoking.
Early detection can be lifesaving. Many heart conditions develop silently, so catching them through routine screenings like an ECG can prevent serious complications down the line.
Concerned about your heart? Book an online consultation with Intercare today and take control of your cardiovascular health.
Health Hub Links: Read our articles on the Health Hub to gain further insight into heart-related conditions.
