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An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is a simple and painless test that can provide important information about the heart's rhythm and function.
During an ECG, small electrodes are attached to the skin on the chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected to a machine that records the electrical signals generated by the heart as it beats. The resulting tracing, called an electrocardiogram, shows the timing and duration of each electrical phase of the heartbeat.
An ECG can detect a variety of heart problems, including abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and congenital heart defects. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments and to evaluate the risk of heart disease in people with certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.
ECGs are usually performed by trained technicians and interpreted by doctors or other healthcare professionals. They are typically done in a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital and take only a few minutes to complete.
In addition to the standard ECG, there are several specialized types of ECGs that may be used to provide additional information about the heart's function. These include the exercise stress test, which measures the heart's activity during exercise; the Holter monitor, which records the heart's activity over a 24-hour period; and the event recorder, which records the heart's activity when a person experiences symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.