An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. With each beat, an electical impulse, or "wave", travels through the heart. This wave causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart.
An EKG measures time intervals, which enables a doctor to determine how long the electrical wave takes to pass through the heart. This tells the physician whether the electrical activity is normal or slow, fast or irregular. An EKG also measures the amount of electrical activity that passes through the heart muscle. This tells a physician if parts of the heart are too large or overworked.
An EKG is typically used to detect and evaluate many heart problems, such a heart attach, arrhythmia, and heart failure. EKG results also can suggest other disorders that affect heart function.
There are no special preparation instructions for having an EKG done.
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