About Electrocardiography
Abbreviated “EKG” or “ECG,” electrocardiography is the most common cardiac test performed. It is generally performed in all new patients, as a screening test once a year or so in established patients, and as initial evaluation of new symptoms like chest pain. Wires are attached to stickers placed on the chest and limbs and record electrical activity coming from the heart. The resulting tracing provides information on the heart rate and rhythm, and can also suggest the presence of heart enlargement, previous damage or acute injury. An abnormal EKG often leads to further testing to clarify the significance of the abnormalities.