What is ECG?

ECG or Electrocardiogram is a test done to record the electrical activity of the heart. It gives us information on how fast or how slow our heart is beating and whether it is beating regularly or not. It also tells us if there is enlargement or damage of the heart. It is usually done as routine examination to elderly patients and patients with symptoms of chest pain or palpitation.

The patient who will undergo ECG is asked to remove jewelry or anything on the body which is made up of metal such as belt, coins, etc. He is then ask to lie down and the skin where the leads will be placed are cleansed with wet cotton. The leads are then placed in position and the patient is asked to relax and avoid unnecessary movement. The result is then recorded in a ruled paper which is then read by a physician. The procedure is very much painless. Nothing is felt. There are only localized rashes on the skin where the leads were placed.